{"id":2656,"date":"2026-09-22T16:29:46","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T13:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metalleiathrakis.gr\/thraces-next-generation-takes-center-stage-at-the-90th-thessaloniki-international-fair\/"},"modified":"2026-09-22T16:34:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T13:34:51","slug":"thraces-next-generation-takes-center-stage-at-the-90th-thessaloniki-international-fair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metalleiathrakis.gr\/en\/thraces-next-generation-takes-center-stage-at-the-90th-thessaloniki-international-fair\/","title":{"rendered":"Thrace\u2019s Next Generation Takes Center Stage at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair"},"content":{"rendered":"

Children from Alexandroupoli and Komotini shared their VION SKILLS experience at the Thracean Mining booth<\/strong><\/h4>\n

From an idea to a real-life creation. From a first encounter with robotics to learning how to collaborate, experiment and solve problems. Children from Alexandroupoli and Komotini brought their VION SKILLS experience to Thessaloniki, sharing their journey at the Thracean Mining booth during the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).<\/p>\n

The event opened with Yota Chatziparadeisi, Corporate Affairs & Communication Lead, Thracean Mining, who shared an overview of Thracean Mining\u2019s and Eldorado Gold\u2019s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and key pillars. She highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation through initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for education, skills development and innovation in local communities.<\/p>\n

Then it was time for the children to take the spotlight.<\/p>\n

Travelling from Thrace with their families, VION SKILLS participants shared what they had learned in the workshops, how they worked together as teams and how they turned their ideas into real creations. Parents also shared their perspective, reflecting on the value of giving children access to creative STEM and robotics experiences.<\/p>\n

Delivered in Alexandroupoli and Komotini by Eduact with the support of Thracean Mining, VION SKILLS gives children and young people the opportunity to explore technology, robotics and innovation through hands-on learning.<\/p>\n

Kostas Vasileiou, Founder and President of Eduact, presented the program and highlighted one of the ideas at its core: STEM is about much more than technology. Through the program, children learn to collaborate, experiment, tackle challenges and find solutions, building the skills and confidence to bring their ideas to life. VION SKILLS will continue with new activities this year, while future plans also include the participation of children from Thrace in the international Genius Olympiad competition.<\/p>\n

During its second cycle in 2025\u20132026, VION SKILLS delivered 16 workshops and summer day camps, with a total of 250 participations. Another 250 children discovered the program through activities at summer camps across Thrace, getting hands-on experience with educational engineering, robotics and innovation. In parallel, 40 students from Democritus University of Thrace\u00a0 took part in LEGO\u00ae Education-certified training programs.<\/p>\n

VION SKILLS operates from two robotics and technology hubs in Alexandroupoli and Komotini, with participation offered free of charge. In July 2026, the program received the Bronze Award in the \u201cSTEM\/STEAM Education\u201d category at the Education Leaders Awards, recognizing the impact and momentum it has already built.<\/p>\n