Projects

The “Skills Kiosk” is a leisure program run by the Science et Cité Foundation that helps children and young people to develop important skills for the future through pop-up science and tinkering activities. The focus is on STEM topics in particular. The aim of the project is to spark an interest in research, science and engineering while promoting skills such as creative thinking, problem solving and collaboration. The Skills Kiosk takes place during free time, for example at meeting points for open child and youth work, in school playgrounds or at extracurricular activities. Participation is voluntary, and the children decide for themselves which activities they take part in and for how long. The Skills Kiosk takes place in various regions of Switzerland, with Science et Cité working with local partner organizations to reach children, young people and their families. A central aspect of the Skills Kiosk is the focus on children and young people who normally have little access to such extracurricular activities. Parents are also involved in the program, as the offer is local and free of charge and gives them suggestions on how they can further encourage their children's interest at home. Another key aspect of the project is to encourage day schools and youth work organizations to incorporate such offers into their leisure programs on a long-term basis. The supervising professionals are supported with workshops and coaching sessions to enable them to continue the activities independently. This enables a sustainable transfer of knowledge that gives children access to STEM-related activities even after the Skills Kiosk.