The Foundation for Partnership and Civil Society Development
Scientific Garden in Pula opened officially!
In the presence of numerous guests accompanied with a performance by the Dandelion Kindergarten, the "Scientific Garden" of the Pula was officially opened today. This represents a unique and interesting space in the center of Pula, equipped with interactive exhibits that showcase topics from the STEM fields. The "Scientific Garden" is part of the Center for the Popularization of Science and Innovation of the Istrian County, within the Pula Technical Culture Community.
This project led by Foundation Istria has created a space that is not only children and youth, but will also offer interesting content for the wider population, all with the goal of popularizing STEM. The quality of workshops for children and youth offered by civil society organizations will be enhanced now with new resources available.
Thus, the goal of the project is to improve the capacities of civil society organizations for implementation of programs in the area of STEM popularization. The opening ceremony of the Scientific Garden was attended by Anton Pletikos (Secretary of the Pula Technical Culture Community), Helga Možé (Foundation Istria directress), Luka Bogdan (Deputy Manager of the National Foundation for Civil Society Development) Deputy Mayor of Pula, Ivona Močenić, and Prefect of Istrian County, Boris Miletić.
In her speech, Helga Možé emphasized the importance of this project, highlighting that it provided valuable equipment worth over 150,000 euros for STEM associations, including this interactive "Scientific Garden" exhibit divided into four main sections: Science Park exhibits, Renewable Energy Sources exhibits, Meteorological Station and Telescope. Also, various other equipment for robotics, mathematics, and FabLab (3D scanner, 3D printer, engraving machine, and other equipment and consumables) were ensured.
Istrian Prefect Boris Miletić recalled the year 2015 when the Center for the Popularization of Science and Innovation was opened. "The idea then was to think about the future and bring STEM closer to our children in a more creative and interesting way. Therefore, I congratulate everyone involved in preparing this 'Scientific Garden' that we opened today!" said Prefect Miletić.
Deputy Mayor of Pula, Ivona Močenić, highlighted the importance of developing critical thinking and innovative problem-solving among children and youth. "The City of Pula supports such projects and I hope that this 'Scientific Garden' will spark interest among our youth in pursuing science in the future because we know that science and technology are the foundations for the development of a modern society," said Močenić.
"I hope this will be a contribution from all of us to a better future and a positive choice for our children in their development and growth," added Anton Pletikos
In his speech, Deputy Manager of the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, Luka Bogdan, emphasized that the opening of the "Scientific Garden" is a beautiful message that shows and proves what European funds are doing for Croatia.
"Specifically, children and youth here will learn what STEM is and what it means, and some may be inspired to build their careers in STEM fields," said Bogdan, adding that this is a good example of how funds improve and enhance life quality.
After the speeches, there was a symbolic planting of strawberries and a guided tour of the Scientific Garden.
To recap, the Scientific Garden was set up and equipped as part of the ESF project "STEM Associations for Popular STEM" (UP.04.2.1.10.0065), whose key goal is to enhance the capacities of civil society organizations for implementing programs in the area of STEM popularization.
The total value of the project is 2,462,021.59 HRK, of which 2,092,718.35 HRK was co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund. The project is co-financed by the Office for cooperation with NGOs.