In the small city of Stolac, on the river Bregava, lives Darko Jarak, professor of computer science at Stolac High School. Darko is not just another professor, he is also the founder of STEM – lab, a project that aims to teach children IT skills.
Professor Darko, through ten years of work at the school, noticed that many children do not have access to quality education in the field of information technology. Realizing how important it is for them to acquire these skills to be ready for the digital world we live in, he decided to take steps to help them.
So in 2018, together with his friend Nikola, also professor, he founded the Stolac Youth Association, from which the STEM – lab was later created. Their intention was for it to be a place where, above all, children and young people have the opportunity to learn about programming, 3D modeling and robotics, where they can use a 3D printer, a CNC prototyping machine, microcontrollers and various other tools that can be used to create something. By equipping such space, they wanted to enable the organization of workshops (programming, 3D modeling, robotics, web design, amateur radio), preparations for the state graduation and IT courses in order to enable children and young people, as well as adults, from Stolac and the surrounding area to master key skills necessary for today’s and future business world.
“Unfortunately, children have computer science only during the first year of high school. That’s why I can’t teach them everything I’d like, because we have to follow the curriculum that dates back to the 90s, which is by no means enough. In elementary school, the situation is even worse, because computer science is an optional subject, which children do not take seriously,” explains professor Darko, explaining the reasons for starting STEM – lab.
Social networks are not IT
Due to inadequate plans and programs in computer science, which do not follow the accelerated development in this field, children are literally deprived of the knowledge they need. What was created more than 20 years ago must be changed urgently, but the initiatives to change the curricula still do not meet the right response from the ministries of education. Professor Darko sees the consequences of that every day in class.
“Although smartphones and laptops are available to children from an early age, children do not have basic skills, they do not know how to create an email address, work in Word or Excel, not to mention developing programs, robotics, modeling… Because both children and parents need to understand that social networks are not IT. That’s why these workshops are necessary “, emphasizes professor Darko.
Although his friend Nikola left the Association after a few years, as well as the city of Stolac and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Darko continued the work they had started with the help of young volunteers. In the beginning, all the projects were related to school, but later Darko realized that children would be much more relaxed if they left the classrooms. They found an adequate space, secured donors for the purchase of equipment and created their own IT corner.
Girls love STEM
The first workshops were intended only for girls.
“We noticed that girls are somehow in the background, less interested, as if it were a male occupation, and we wanted to show them that this is not the case. That’s how the project “Girls love STEM” was born. We learned modeling, working in Payton, working on a 3D printer. We visited IT companies to show them on the spot what it’s like to work in the IT sector. Those activities got the others interested as well, so we kept getting inquiries about when workshops would be organized for them as well,” says professor Darko.
The project was extended to all primary and secondary school students. The work did not stop even during summer, because we wanted to help children spend their holidays actively, creatively and fun. Now STEM – lab workshops are not only attended by children from Stolac, but also from the surrounding towns. Also, children from Neum, Capljina come to classes regularly …
So far, more than 200 children have attended the workshops. The work is designed so that there is as much practice as possible, so that children can see the results very quickly.
“Last year, during the summer school, we made a fan. The children did 3D modeling, then we printed the parts on a 3D printer and they programmed it with a motion sensor. The fan was turning on and off at arm’s length. They also made electronic parts. It was very interesting for them, and as soon as we finished one task, they immediately asked what we were going to do next”, professor Darko said, proudly.
The children who participated in the STEM – lab workshops acquired basic knowledge and programming skills, and some chose IT as their vocation in life, so they are now studying computer science. There are also those who have become program educators themselves, so they pass on their knowledge to the younger ones, something that professor Darko is particularly proud of.
After this summer, the plan is to expand the workshops to adults.
“We noticed that many adults have problems with basic information literacy. Through workshops, we will help them master those skills that are needed in the job market. That way, it will be easier to apply for jobs,” emphasizes professor Darko.
The youth association does not have a permanent source of funding. The work is voluntary, and funds are provided by applying for public calls. For now, they are satisfied with the reactions and support of the city authorities in Stolac and the Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade. They were also supported by the Telemach Foundation, which supported the STEM-lab project through its regional grant program for 2022, with the amount of 5,000 BAM. The Foundation recognized the importance of promoting STEM education and empowering young individuals in the field of technology. Their donation allowed the project to expand its resources, acquire the necessary equipment and improve the overall learning experience for the participants.
“Cooperation with the Telemach Foundation was extremely successful and useful. Their support had a significant impact on the project and helped us achieve positive changes in the local community. We are sincerely grateful to the Telemach Foundation for the support they provided us, and we look forward to future cooperation in achieving our common goals,” says professor Darko.
Promotion of the cultural heritage of Stolac
Although he selflessly shares his knowledge with children in order to enable them to acquire the key skills, professor Darko has been working for years to promote culture in Stolac through the “Citizens’ Association Initiative Stolac”. It is an association that was created in 2016 with the desire to improve the quality of life and the culture of living through the organization of cultural, artistic, ecological, educational and charitable activities, as well as the preservation of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Stolac.
One of their most important activities is the organization of the SMART fest, which is held in the city on Bregava every June. The organizers state that this festival brings to Stolac a combination of music, theater, street art, film and everything that urban culture is. So far, more than 20 performers have performed at the festival, with over 5,000 visitors.
This year, the festival was held for the 8th time, and on June 17 and 18, the audience enjoyed Crvena jabuka concert and the play “Ciro” performed by one of the most famous and beloved regional actors – Tarik Filipovic. The youngest could watch the play “The Dragon and the Princesses” performed by the Mostar Puppet Theatre.
“The Association Initiative is continuously working on the promotion of the city of Stolac. Among other things, last year we published a photo monograph of Stolac through the four seasons. We produced one documentary film, one play, and several short films. One of them, which was made with high school children, was also shown at the Sarajevo Film Festival,” professor Darko points out.
Although he is really busy not only at school but also through volunteer work in both associations, professor Darko has become an inspiration and role model for many. His story reminds us of the importance of education, sharing knowledge and encouraging young people to change their future. His selflessness in working with children best demonstrates how one small man, with a big vision and passion, can create big changes in his community.
Author: Vedada Secerbajtarevic
This article was written thanks to the generous support of the American people through the “Local Works” program of the United States Agency for International Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (USAID). The contents of the publication are under the exclusive liability of its author and “Network for Building Peace”. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the US Government.
