Working with Lego Robots offers a way to develop a diverse skillset (basic programming skills, along with logical thinking, maths and problem-solving skills) using play. Unfortunately, access to this activity is often limited to the privileged. The Association of Roma Minority Representatives and Spokespeople of Nógrád County now offers Lego Robotics workshops to disadvantaged young people, to develop their skillsets in a complex manner.
The Association operates in three sites and has run an afterschool programme for disadvantaged young people for over 20 years. Their mission is to promote the educational advancement of vulnerable young people and thereby increase their chances of a better life.
The Association strives to apply innovative pedagogical methods to offer the best learning experience for their target group. As their newest innovation, they offer weekly Lego Robotics workshops with trained IT mentors on each of their sites.
In order to run these workshops effectively, one LEGO set is needed per two young people. At the start of the programme, the Association had enough resources for four sets and sought support for the purchase of additional sets. The Foundation awarded a grant for two additional sets – this way the Association could pilot the workshops by rotating their equipment from site to site. In addition, the Foundation provided professional support to help the Association further its fundraising efforts to acquire more sets. Eventually, the Association aimed to have six sets per site so they can consistently deliver the work to approximately 36 young people. It later became clear that new laptops were also needed for each student to work at their own pace.
Through their fundraising campaign, the Association managed to secure 5 additional LEGO sets while also collecting 37 laptops. The Association is committed to continue their efforts until all necessary equipment – mainly robotics sets - have been secured.
As for the social impact, 30 young people have regularly benefited from the pilot workshops, improving their digital competencies, mathematical and creative thinking, problem-solving and cooperation skills. Based on the success of the pilot, the Association modified its curriculum. The LEGO workshops continue to run beyond the pilot term and have become an integral part of the Association’s educational offer.
