The 2018 Learners’ Voice Cohort gathered in Athens from June 18-29 for their second residential session, focusing on social entrepreneurship, communication and project development skills. The intensive faculty sessions were complemented with site visits and project pilots conducted by the five groups to measure the feasibility of their projects and apply their skills.
Since their first residential session in March, the Learners have been engaged in online project development with expert mentors to build their group projects. One of the main objectives of the second residential session is to support teams to further develop their social initiatives, better understand the changing needs of their beneficiaries, and execute a pilot. The ongoing project pilot will allow teams to develop a proof of concept and gather data from beneficiaries to improve their projects.
One of the teams piloted a program for refugee youth to develop their soft skills through STEAM activities. As a part of their pilot, the team conducted a series of hands-on workshops with refugee communities on waste collection and 3D printing. Similarly, other teams conducted focus groups and
a series of interviews to map user needs and build partnerships to further improve their projects.
One of the teams piloted a program for refugee youth to develop their soft skills through STEAM activities. As a part of their pilot, the team conducted a series of hands-on workshops with refugee communities on waste collection and 3D printing. Similarly, other teams conducted focus groups and a series of interviews to map user needs and build partnerships to further improve their projects.
Waste Reduction and 3D printing session conducted by Learners promote soft skills such as problem solving and teamwork.
The second residential was concluded with a closing panel session attended by Stavros Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, to recognize the efforts of the Learners. In the final phase, based on a thorough evaluation, selected teams had the opportunity to present their projects to potential partners and stakeholders in WISE@NY on 22 September 2018.