Our mission
We are dedicated to nurturing the intellectual and practical talents of students aged from Grade 3 to Grade 12 within Lumina Educational Institutions and its partner schools. We aim to inspire and challenge these young minds to develop their research, communication, presentation, time management, collaboration, and creativity skills. Central to our mission is the belief that the future belongs to those who can innovate and solve real-world problems. We strive to raise awareness about critical energy, environmental and social issues that our planet faces and encourage participation in international project competitions with similar missions. We emphasise our commitment to fostering global citizenship and a sense of responsibility towards our planet by aligning firSTep projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What is firSTep
firSTep Project Competition, organized by Lumina Educational Institutions Education Department, provides a platform for students in grades 3 to 12 to explore their potential and develop essential life skills. It's rooted in project-based learning, allowing participants to choose subjects of interest, fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. Projects must align with at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. It's a journey of discovery and impact.
Why firSTep
firSTep Project Competition offers students within Lumina Educational Institutions and its partners a unique opportunity of project-based learning. It focuses on key skills like research, communication, time management, collaboration, and creativity, welcoming students from Grade 3 onwards. It's a stepping stone to responsible global citizenship, aligning projects with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Affiliation with national and international science fair organizations adds prestige. firSTep empowers students to find practical solutions to everyday problems and become changemakers.
Creativity
Encouraging young minds to explore their creative potential, our fair fosters innovation and imaginative thinking. Participants have the opportunity to dream big, design unique projects, and develop inventive solutions that inspire a love for creative problem-solving.
Research
Our fair promotes the development of research skills in participants as they delve into fascinating scientific and technological topics. Through the process, students learn how to gather information, evaluate sources, and draw meaningful conclusions, enhancing their critical thinking abilities.
Presentation
At our fair, students acquire essential presentation skills, learning how to communicate their ideas effectively to both peers and judges. They gain confidence in public speaking and the art of conveying complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner.
Communication
We emphasize the importance of clear and concise communication, as students collaborate with peers, mentors, and judges. They develop the ability to express their ideas, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogues, enhancing their overall communication skills.
Teamwork
Our fair encourages teamwork and collaboration among young participants. Students learn to work together harmoniously, share responsibilities, and appreciate the strengths of each team member. These experiences promote valuable social and interpersonal skills.
Time-management
Through the process of planning, executing, and presenting projects, students cultivate effective time management skills. They learn to set goals, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines, which are essential life skills for academic and future endeavors.
Embrace SDGs, be
Each project undertaken in firSTep Competition must align with at least one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing our commitment to fostering global citizenship and a sense of responsibility towards our planet.
Schedule
6 Jan - 7 Feb, 2025
Uploading projects - Registration Process
Schools’ Firstep Coordinators upload projects (posters and videos) on the Firstep registration page.
14 Feb, 2025
School Rounds Project Evaluation and Exhibition deadline
Schools complete local evaluations and enter the results on the Firstep evaluation platform.
17 Feb - 5 Mar, 2025
Pre-eliminations of the projects for the Grand Final
Firstep Jury will evaluate the projects registered by the schools.
7 Mar, 2025
Announcement of the finalists
The best 20 projects for each category will be announced on the Firstep Website as the finalists for the Grand Final.
22 Mar, 2025
Grand Final
Online Evaluations for All Categories
Students will present their projects to the jury members online through the Zoom video conferencing platform.
Parents will be required to sign a GDPR agreement for their children to participate in the competition.
Number of projects for previous years
In previous three years 1,904 projects participated in firSTep.
Awards
Total award is € 3,000
300 lei
400 lei
500 lei
Posters
Get the posters for your schools
Partners
