Learning Technology by Building It

Children use computers, smartphones, game consoles and other digital devices every day.

In our STEM workshops, we want to show them that technology is not just something they use — it is something they can understand, explore and create.

These workshops are already happening.

I run hands-on STEM workshops for primary-school children in Zadar, Croatia, where children learn about electronics, programming and robotics by building and experimenting themselves.

They connect electronic components, build circuits, light up LEDs, experiment with sensors, program microcontrollers and control robots.

The idea is simple: Learn technology by building it.

Why are we asking for help?

Until now, I have personally funded the equipment and materials used in these workshops.

As the workshops have grown and we want to give every child more opportunities to work independently, the amount of equipment we need has grown as well.

This year, for the first time, I am asking for a little help.

My goal is not to build an expensive laboratory. It is simply to have enough equipment so that as many children as possible can have the components in front of them, build their own circuit, make their own mistakes and discover the solution themselves.

In a hands-on workshop, there is a huge difference between watching someone else perform an experiment and having the components in your own hands.

Our goal is to work, whenever possible, according to a simple principle:

one child → one working set → their own experiment

What do children actually build?

We can start with something as simple as a battery, resistor and LED.

From there, children can gradually move on to switches, alarms, light sensors, electronic games, digital logic, microcontrollers and robotics.

They don't simply receive an explanation of how something works.

They get the components.

They get a challenge.

And then they try to build something that actually works.

Sometimes the LED lights up on the first try.

Sometimes it doesn't.

And that is often when the best part of learning begins:

Why doesn't it work?

Finding that answer is part of the experiment.

What will the €2,000 be used for?

The funds will be used to purchase additional equipment and materials for our children's STEM workshops, including:

- breadboards, wires and connectors

- LEDs, resistors, capacitors, transistors and integrated circuits

- buttons, switches, potentiometers and other electronic components

- sensors, motors, microcontrollers and robotics equipment

- multimeters, power supplies, soldering equipment and basic tools

- storage, organizers and consumable materials for practical projects

Some of these materials are consumable, while tools, breadboards, measuring instruments, power supplies and many other components can be used again and again across future workshops.

Every contribution makes a difference

You don't need to fund an entire equipment set to make a difference.

Every contribution helps us purchase more components, tools and equipment and gives more children the opportunity to work independently during our workshops.

Every component we purchase becomes something a child can actually hold, connect, test and learn from.

What happens if we don't reach €2,000?

We will still put every contribution to use.

If we raise less than our target, we will purchase the most important equipment first.

If we reach our goal, we will be able to create more individual working sets and expand the range of experiments available to the children. If we raise more, the additional funds will allow us to equip even more working sets and purchase materials for future hands-on STEM activities.

Who is behind this fundraiser?

My name is Josip Kalebić. I am a software developer and STEM workshop leader from Zadar, Croatia.

I organize practical technology workshops where children can experience electronics, programming and robotics not just on a screen, but with their own hands.

The photographs on this fundraiser are from our actual activities and workshops.

This fundraiser is simply the next step:

helping us put more equipment into children's hands.

How can you help?

If you would like to support what we are doing, any contribution — large or small — is greatly appreciated.

Contributions will be used to purchase equipment and materials for the workshops; no product or reward is offered in return.

And if you cannot contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser with someone who cares about STEM education, electronics, programming, or robotics is also a great way to help.

Thank you for supporting hands-on STEM education, experimentation and children's curiosity.

PLAY. LEARN. CREATE.