The International Day of Children’s Universities

Information for Organizers

Implementation

Organisers of Children’s University programmes are encouraged to use 11 April to arrange local events or initiatives that communicate the goals, values and challenges of Children’s Universities to a broad audience. At the same time they can use the opportunity to place their own STEAM engagement programme in a national and international context. The spectrum of conceivable activities ranges e.g. from

  • lectures
  • special guided lab tours
  • excursions
  • virtual contributions (video contributions, podcasts, etc.)
  • the organisation of celebrations
  • or even transdisciplinary approaches such as theatre plays,
  • or whatever your creativity allows in the context of Children’s Universities.

The central idea is to give the international community of Children’s Universities the opportunity to perform together and communicate common messages.

The scope and type of implementation is the responsibility of the respective organisation behind a Children’s University. A jointly developed professional branding and a central website, which will be created by eucu.net, will act as a connecting link. A joint social media initiative is also planned.

Due to the short preparation time, the realisation this year will probably take place in a reduced version and a “soft launch” of the IDCU. However, information on specific events/programmes has already been announced by several Children’s Universities.

Workflow of Participation for Organizers of Children’s Universities

If you are not quite sure how to participate for the first time at the International Day of Children’s Universities, you can follow the IDCU Process Decision Tree.

FAQ

The General Secretariat of eucu.net is always available to answer any questions our members may have. For your convenience, we have already started to collected some frequently asked questions:

  • Do I need to have a CU activity to take part on the IDCU?

No. Minimum requirement is a single action like a post or news item online. The more the better, but there is no pressure to invent big things on such short notice.

  • Is there a budget from eucu.net for activities or promotion?

No. Eucu.net as a network will provide basic information, branding with the IDCU Logo, and media work. There is unfortunately no extra budget to support additional activities or create promotional material like flyers or t-shirts.

  • 2024 is too much on short notice for me, but can I participate also 2025?

Yes. Of course. 2024 will be a first pilot year to get a feeling for this format of awareness raising. The intention is to establish the IDCU on a long-term basis and celebrate every year on the 11th April.