Šabac, 22 September 2023

The brilliance factory

Picture a lush green oasis nestled in the heart of Šabac, where over 200 young minds from third to eighth grade gather for a four-day Math Camp. This is the Šabac Science Centre, a beacon of hope and opportunity, thanks to the unwavering support of the European Union.

Nestled on Letnjikovac hill, the Science Centre, lovingly called the "Factory of Ideas for the 21st Century," is where budding talents from preschool to high school find their wings. Here, they're not just students; they're dreamers, explorers, and innovators.

Mayor Aleksandar Pajić believes in nurturing potential. "Our Science Center complements formal education, offering a systematic boost to our brightest students," he says. With EU non-refundable funds invested through EU PRO Plus Programme, exceeding 180,000 Euros and a 268,000 Euros contribution from the City of Šabac, the Science Center has been transformed. It now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including physics, biology, and chemistry labs, multimedia classrooms, internet cafes, and 14 cozy rooms for students from across Serbia.

The "Factory of Ideas for the 21st Century" is where brilliance meets opportunity. It's a place where the best students gather to hone their skills with top-notch lecturers.

But it's not just about academics; it's about building a brighter future. During his visit this summer, Nicola Bertolini, Head of Cooperation with the EU Delegation in Serbia, commended Šabac and UNOPS as the implementation partner, for their visionary project. "Caring for our youth's development and knowledge is a beautiful task. When the local government creates spaces like this, it's a gift to the community," he says. This project isn't just one of many; it's unique.

Beyond the Math Camp, the Science Centre collaborates with the Subsidiary of Mathematicians Šabac and local primary schools. It's not just about lectures for young mathematicians; it's about workshops for teachers, fostering a holistic approach to talent development.

Šabac's vision extends beyond the Science Centre, with partnerships like "Naše dete," the Professional Development Centre, the Educational Association "Sunce," and the Association of Teachers. Together, they hosted the Fair for Talented Children and Youth on the International Day of the Gifted students, uniting 20 primary and secondary schools and four educational organisations.

Ana Marinković, the project manager, underlines the importance of nurturing talent. "We draw attention to a crucial topic in society – providing full and organised support to young, gifted, and creative minds to unleash their potential and talents."

In Šabac, dreams are nurtured, and potential knows no bounds. The Science Centre is a testament to a community's commitment to shaping a brighter tomorrow.