A good question sparks meaningful conversations, and meaningful conversations change perspectives - opening minds to new opportunities. That was our mission with Mentor Connect by Predau Viitor, run by Asociatia Techsoup with the support of SAP Labs SEE Romania from October to December 2024.

In this pilot edition, we reached 329 students from 15 middle school and high school classes. These included 8 schools in small towns and 4 in villages. We connected virtually with schools from areas such as Gighera (Dolj), Sânpetru (Brașov), Cornu Luncii (Suceava), Sânnicolau Mare (Timiș), Novaci (Gorj), Rădăuți (Suceava), and Brănești (Ilfov). Fifteen teachers, most of whom teach computer science, but also German and physics, connected their students with IT professionals from SAP România. 

All the schools received a virtual visit from an SAP mentor who engaged with the teacher and the students for a technology-focused presentation. Nine SAP mentors shared insights on topics such as AI, digital product development, programming languages, databases, and data security. They also discussed what a day in an IT company looks like, how cross-cultural teams collaborate, and the importance of lifelong learning. Students practiced asking thoughtful and critical questions - the kind that foster relevance and understanding.

What if this program hadn't happened?

• 11 out of 15 participating classes would not have experienced a similar learning activity.

• 7 out of 9 mentors would not have engaged in a similar activity with students.

• 12 out of 15 teachers would not have received a specially designed pedagogical kit, which included a lesson plan and three activities and reflection sheets for students.