Children’s University at the Faculty of Education Celebrates New Graduates

The university auditorium once again belonged to children. Dozens of young graduates ceremoniously received their certificates for successfully completing the Children’s University at the Faculty of Education. In this academic year, the young participants experienced what it is like to be a student.

Introducing children to the academic world even before they choose their secondary school and nurturing their natural curiosity – that is the main idea behind the Children’s University at the Faculty of Education at UWB, a project the faculty has been running for more than eleven years. In this academic year, a total of 158 pupils from primary schools and lower grades of multi-year grammar schools took part in the courses. They could choose from 68 lectures, workshops, experiments, and excursions. Children who attended at least six courses received a certificate of completion. This time, 58 young students successfully met the requirement.

The graduates gathered on 10 February for a ceremonial event in the auditorium of the Faculty of Education building. The children received their certificates in an atmosphere similar to traditional university graduation ceremonies. “I would like to thank you for the wonderful experiences, the knowledge gained, and the enjoyable moments spent at the University of West Bohemia,” said nine-year-old Antonín Havránek in front of the audience. The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Pavel Mentlík, used the festive occasion to share the message of the Children’s University and the faculty as a whole: “I am convinced that a superpower for the 21st century is the ability to learn. Not only to remember answers, but to know how to ask questions, seek connections, and not be afraid of making mistakes. It is important not to stop this desire for knowledge, but to continue developing it.”

According to the faculty leadership, the Children’s University has long enjoyed great interest. “The courses filled up very quickly again, some within just a few hours. It is clear that parents and children see the Children’s University as a meaningful and inspiring activity,” summarized Vice-Dean Lenka Benediktová, who is in charge of the project. The course topics cover subjects children know from school – from natural sciences and the arts to technology. There is also a strong interest in more unconventional courses, such as The Microscopic World of Plants, Magical 3D Printing, or Fire. Children create their own schedules and learn in a fun and engaging way.

The Children’s University at the Faculty of Education, UWB, has been free for participants for many years, thanks to the support of the Pilsen Region and other partners. This allows the faculty to offer children the opportunity to experience the university environment in an open, playful, and accessible way. A similar format is now newly available for secondary school students as well. The Uniteen project is being launched by the faculty for the first time this year. “We see that there is a strong interest in meaningful educational activities outside school. Uniteen is a natural continuation of the Children’s University and responds to the needs of an older age group,” explained Vice-Dean Benediktová.

Selected photographs from the Children’s University graduation ceremony are available in the faculty’s online gallery.