Innomate - Innovation Program for secondary schools
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Hungary
Organization(s) Involved: Demokratikus Ifjúságért Alapítvány, Európai Bizottság EntreComp 2016, StartITup Győr
Email: info@unitedway.hu
Web: https://unitedway.hu/oktatas/innomate/
USEFUL LINKS
SUMMARY
InnoMate programme for secondary school students aims to develop the skills young people need to succeed in today’s job market. Our initiative focuses on teamwork, problem solving, and developing and promoting a business mindset.
Based on previous experience, and in cooperation with education and start-up experts, we developed the specific educational material on developing employability and entrepreneurship skills together with our professional partner, the Foundation for Democratic Youth, based on the European Commission’s EntreComp 2016 competency framework. StartITup Győr was our partner in the implementation of the programme.
OBJECTIVES
- Training young people to thrive in the world of work.
- Helping young people into jobs.
- Boosting self-confidence.
- Presenting innovative solutions to young people.
- Helping young people achieve their dreams.
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
The job prospects of Hungarian secondary school students are severely hampered by their age-related poor problem-solving and conflict management skills, low creativity, and lack of experience in cooperation and teamwork.
The shortcomings of the education system are exacerbated by the fact that most of them do not acquire experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, effective communication, financial awareness and responsibility during their secondary school careers.
Low self-confidence and a lack of initiative, experimentation and implementation predict poor performance in the workplace and reduced chances of employment and entrepreneurship.
IMPLEMENTATION: ACTIVITIES AND METHODOLOGIES
To create the basic conditions for young people to succeed in the labour market.
To train creative, critical thinkers, entrepreneurial and open-minded people with 21st century skills and competences, providing a springboard to achieve their dreams and a fulfilling life.
Young people will acquire the initiative, employability and entrepreneurial skills that are relevant to the needs of their time. The programme also significantly develops essential skills such as creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration, as well as the foundations for community building, business ethics and social responsibility.
PROJECT OUTCOMES & LESSONS LEARNED
- 12 participating institutions
- 44 active teachers
- 1094 students supported
- 82 innovative ideas
VISUAL AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS
The first United Way office in Hungary was opened in 1991, and United Way Hungary was founded in 1998 as the Resource Foundation.
Since its establishment, it has supported hundreds of NGOs, ranging from large, well-known organisations to smaller associations and hospital foundations.
Prior to 2008, United Way Hungary was primarily engaged in fundraising and resource allocation. It supported NGOs that contributed to the development of civil society and the improvement of health and social conditions in Hungary.