PROJECT
Makerspaces are community spaces where new and experienced makers can connect and work on real and personally meaningful projects, as a group or individually. These spaces give an opportunity for both new, young, old and experienced makers to develop and learn through meeting others with common interestand expertise as well as being exposed to new and traditional technologies and tools.
The objective of this project is to promote Makerspace environments, and activities around the principles of MakerEducation, as tools to encourage social inclusion among young people. An inclusive Makerspace setting can help young people to boost their self-confidence, develop team work skills and encourage team support and spirit. As individuals, it can also help them to learn about the importance of self-motivation, persistence and how to tackle new challenges.
MakerEducation activities, in a well supported environment with access to tools and materials, can help young people feel connected. They can give them the opportunity to communicate their thoughts, feelings and passions through creative yet practical methods, as well as learn about the importance of social responsibility and inclusion.
For more information download the M4Inclusion Brochure in your language.
For more information download the M4Inclusion Infographic in your language.
INDUSTRY SERVICES
OBJECTIVES
Over a period of two years, the project consortium will produce a set of open source educational resources on the topic of digital DIY and making. The project’s deliverables are expected to facilitate the implementation of educational Makerspace workshops across Europe, thus contributing and supporting the development of digital literacy among young people and challenging the digital divide. Additionally we aim to encourage young people, especially those who find themselves in a situation of disadvantage or exclusion, to re-activate themselves within society through engaging with the local community of makers
INDUSTRY SERVICES
RESULTS
We are currently working on the following deliverables:
– A Guide to MakerEducation which shall accompany any youth worker in the setting up of a MakerSpace Environment and support successful implementation of MakerEducation Activities with young people. The guide will include detailed suggestions of what supplies, tools and materials are both essential and advised for successful space development and implementation of activities. It will also give details on suitable locations, methods of communication and possible hands-on maker education activities that one can use with young people.
– A MOOC Course providing knowledge on how to set up a MakerSpace which is suitable for hosting young people. The course will include a mixture of multimedia content including video tutorials and supporting documents and links.
– A set of open source support material, aiming to provide youth workers with the tools and material to be able to acknowledge the development of skills and competences of the young people they work with in the MakerSpace setting.
– A set of open source tutorials around how to create your own MakerEducation Hardware. These hope to provide some initial projects for a Makerspace community to engage in which can also be used as a tool with others to learn and develop together.
INDUSTRY SERVICES
COMMUNICATION
Our communication campaign will cover all the countries of participating organisations thus reaching several hundred youth practitioners and young people across France, Romania, Italy, Spain and Belgium. The MakerSpace4Inclusion team will also be involved in a number of different public events around Maker and Digital culture, such as the Toulouse Mini Maker Faire, the Maker Faire Ghent and the YOMO Festival in Barcelona.
If you’d like to comment on our work or get in touch with the makerspace4Inclusion team don’t hesitate to contact us at: contact@m4inclusion.com.
You can also gain further insights into our communication efforts by searching for #M4Inclusion on social networks.