Classrooms across Bosnia and Herzegovina have recently become spaces where female students not only learn about technology – they create it, shape it, and use it to express their ideas. Through the "Schools of the Future" program, implemented in cooperation with STEMI, more than 500 students and 70 teachers from 29 schools had the opportunity to learn in modern STEM classrooms, develop projects, and prepare for a rapidly digitizing world.

These activities were not merely technical education – they were an invitation for girls to step into the world of technology without fear, and a clear message: they belong there.

From idea to code: technology as a tool for expression

For many female students, working in STEM classrooms was the first step toward discovering their talents and interests. Nađa Imamović, from the Technical School in Zenica, learned how to create her own projects, build websites, and use Arduino through programming workshops. As she puts it:

“IT is not just the future – it is the present where girls create, innovate, and lead the world of technology.”

She adds that programming no longer feels intimidating to her – instead, it’s a way to express herself and leave a mark.

Berina Selimović, from the Secondary Electrical Engineering School in Sarajevo, sees the STEM classroom as a space where she can test ideas that come to her mind even while riding the bus home.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to bring my ideas to life and turn my knowledge into something tangible – something many schools, unfortunately, still lack,” she says.

A community of learning and support

Amela Kukolj, an IT teacher from "Vrhbosna" Primary School, points out that the project brought changes to teaching itself:

“It opened a whole new dimension in how I approach teaching. I’m especially proud of how girls stood out in many activities – often taking initiative, working with precision, and showing originality.”

She emphasizes that STEM classrooms are not just well-equipped rooms – they are statements that girls have a rightful place in science, technology, and engineering.

Creating space for innovation

At the Imagination Day 2024 event, students presented projects in robotics, 3D design, and automation – including an advanced hexapod robot controlled by hand motion using a Kinect device. Nejla Omerašević, a student from the Secondary Technical School in Tuzla, shared her experience working on the project:

“Assembling and programming the hexapod was a challenge, but incredibly rewarding. It was my first time working on something this complex – and the feeling when we got it to move was amazing. This project helped me realize that robotics isn’t out of reach – it’s something we can do, too, when we have the right support and equipment.”

STEM is for us – and we belong here

Through these activities, students gained not only technical skills but also a strong sense of belonging. Ilma Zukić, from the Technical School in Zenica, says:

“I thought STEM wasn’t for me – until I realized that the most important thing is to have the will and put in the effort. It’s important for us to be visible and break stereotypes, because we know that STEM is for us – and that we belong here.”

The “Schools of the Future” program is supported through the “Economic Governance for Growth” (EGG2) project, funded by the Government of the Kingdom of Norway and implemented by UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project has enabled schools across the country not only to focus on technology, but to use it as a tool for innovation and creation.

Activities carried out through the program have empowered girls and boys alike to challenge stereotypes around STEM fields, creating an educational environment where technology is accessible to all. Through hands-on experience in modern STEM classrooms, students have not only advanced their technical knowledge but also strengthened their creativity and teamwork skills – building a solid foundation for their future success.