For eight weeks, 13 kids from the fifth and sixth years of primary school attended workshops organised by the Techniekacademie at TVH Waregem, an initiative of Hogeschool VIVES. These workshops were organised with the support of, among others, parts specialist TVH as partner and sponsor, and are intended to make technology more attractive to young people.
TVH was the operating base for the children of TVH staff or Waregem schools. Over the past few weeks, they playfully discovered the scientist in themselves. From building a LEGO robot to constructing an apartment building with a wind turbine—the children were challenged for eight Wednesday afternoons. They also received a tour of the company and the TVH Experience Center.
GETTING CHILDREN EXCITED ABOUT STEM
Koen Mathys, Talent Development Manager, explains why TVH backs this project: "We became a partner of VIVES because for our company, technical skills are very important and we want to give technical orientations more attention. This is why TVH is also a partner of the 'Vlaamse STEM Olympiade' (Flemish STEM Olympiad) in which more than 60 000 schoolchildren will be participating this school year. We like to pass on our passion for technology to the younger generation."
GRADUATION CEREMONY
After the course, the children were rewarded with a diploma. On 3 May, these were handed over by Chief Product & Procurement Officer Kobe Naert. Afterwards, the parents and children were invited to a reception at the TVH Experience Center.