Tackling big problems with a tiny computer
Tags
The Raspberry Pi competition inspires Dutch students to create innovative, real-world solutions to social, digital and physical resilience challenges, as highlighted in this summary of a NRC article.
The Raspberry Pi competition engages Dutch students in creating innovative, real-world solutions to social, digital and physical resilience challenges. Schools work closely with experts and industry partners to give pupils context, inspiration and hands-on experience.
Ilse van der Woord, senior marketing manager at PA Consulting, emphasises the emotional connection pupils build with the themes:
“What I find so wonderful is that students aren’t just doing something creative or coming up with something technical – they truly connect with the theme. A previous edition, for instance, focused on personal care. That may sound abstract at first. But then pupils realise: my parents work in healthcare, or this is hugely relevant for my grandma. That’s the moment it comes to life. And that empathy then leads to the most impressive innovations.”
She adds that the programme is driven by purpose, not commercial intent:
This is not a sales project. We do this as a social contribution, because we want to invest in the Dutch talent of the future.”
Pim Masselink, managing consultant at PA Consulting Netherlands, highlights the role of partners in grounding the themes:
“Webinars are organised with an energy network operator about energy, or – this year – with a mayor about resilience and social tensions. This way, pupils receive not just an assignment, but also context.”
He also stresses why the business community is committed:
Many organisations feel a responsibility towards education. They know that themes like technology, innovation and societal issues start at secondary school. That’s where you plant the seed.”
Read the article in NRC in Dutch.
Explore more
