The event aimed at fostering a new community of maker education practitioners. Participants included NGOs, academics, and teachers from various countries, as well as representatives from local partnership schools. Attendees travelled from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Italy, and the UK to join the three day event.
The event was organised by Maker{Futures} Programme Director Alison Buxton and Dr. Louise Kay, recognised for their work in developing effective makerspace programmes for children and young people.
The vision for this new network is collaboration to enrich makerspace programmes by sharing experiences and practices. Network members will explore the intersections of their work and establish key strands and overarching themes. They will also seek opportunities for shared funding bids to help develop and expand makerspace programmes in the future.
This event marks a significant step towards building a cohesive international community dedicated to the advancement and enrichment of makerspace initiatives globally.
Alison said, βIt has been wonderful to bring together partners from across the globe, where school teachers and local makers can sit beside academics and international NGOs to share expertise and find collective approaches to advancing makerspaces and maker-based learning for children and young people.β