Fab Lab Mobile Iasi - Romania
The Fab Lab Mobile Iasi project aims to improve access to digital production education for vulnerable communities of youngsters located in the rural areas of the Iași region in Romania. It is developed in partnership with Fundația Orange, BCR and Școala de bani and has been operational since 2023. Other partners include the Money School and the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University Iași.
About this initiative
Fab Mobile aims to give access to digital production education for vulnerable communities of youngsters located in the rural areas of the Lași region in Romania It is designed for young people from vulnerable communities in rural locations that want to boost their digital and personal skills. The initiative addresses an identified skills need in Romania: even if digital production workshops are organised, disadvantaged youngsters often lack the funds to pay for transportation and as a result, end up missing out on digital technology trends. FabLab Mobile is a moving space (a van), which brings digital technologies closer to disadvantaged youngsters, offering a free space where they can explore, interact and learn with mentors - from 3D printing to other cutting-edge digital systems.
The mobile laboratory will not only be used for the rural, more remote areas of IAȘI county in Romania, but will also go on tour to the smaller cities from Western Moldova in order to facilitate access to STEM.
Why is this a good practice?
Since its kick-off, the initiative has succeeded in positioning itself as a benchmark for a successful, good practice in boosting digital education and improving access to digital technologies for all. The mobile educational laboratory is equipped with laptops, 3D printers, a 3D scanner, a mini-CNC, a multi-function colour printer, a press for customising t-shirts and one for customizing mugs, a set of LEGO robotics and several microelectronics kits. The next steps of this project hope to see it scaled on a regional and local level, in collaboration with local authorities - the team is developing several mini mobile laboratories with trainers that will be placed in impacted communities. Since the start of the initiative is Autumn 2023, it has already reached a total of 25 schools in small towns and rural areas.
