The year 2025 marked for the Garden of Science Association a phase of consolidation and expansion of its educational activities within the local community of Livada, Arad County. Building on the experience of previous years, the association moved from isolated, one-off initiatives to structured programs with measurable impact and long-term continuity.
The main objective of the activities carried out in 2025 was to stimulate children’s scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and communication skills through experiential learning methods, interactive workshops, and active community involvement.
2.1. “Truth Compass” Project – Timotion 2025
Period: May 2025
Context: Timotion fundraising event – Timișoara
Partner: Community Foundation Timișoara
In 2025, the Garden of Science Association launched the “Truth Compass” project, an educational initiative dedicated to developing critical thinking and media literacy skills among children and young people.
In May 2025, the association took part in the Timotion fundraising event, where it hosted its own stand. Demonstrative and interactive activities were prepared and delivered, aimed at illustrating the project’s theme and engaging children in simple critical thinking exercises.
Participation in Timotion had as its main objective the presentation of the project concept and the attraction of the financial resources necessary for its implementation.
Impact indicators:
The funds raised will allow the effective implementation of the project (project completion: February 2026) through the production of educational video materials and thematic workshops dedicated to critical thinking and media education.
🤝 The “Truth Compass” project is implemented by the Garden of Science Association and is supported through Timotion 11 – 2025 edition, a fundraising program organized by the Community Foundation Timișoara.
2.2. STEAM Summer School “Green Science”
Period: 18–22 August 2025
Location: Livada, Arad County
The STEAM Summer School “Green Science” was one of the most extensive educational projects carried out by the association in 2025. Activities took place in an ecological educational garden and combined science, nature, and creativity.
Workshops organized (5 days):
Impact indicators:
🤝The “Green Science” Summer School was organized by the Garden of Science Association in collaboration with the Livada Local Council and Astroclub Galaxis Arad. The initiative was part of the national STEAM Summer Schools program, developed by the Federation of Community Foundations in Romania, with the support of Pepco Romania, and coordinated locally (Arad / Livada) by the Community Foundation Timișoara.
2.3. Participation in the European Researchers’ Night – Arad 2025
Date: 26 September 2025
Location: “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad
The Garden of Science Association participated for the second consecutive year in the European Researchers’ Night, together with science-enthusiastic children from the village of Livada.
The association’s stand included interactive experiments in physics, chemistry, and space sciences, such as a magnetic stirrer, dynamo, digital microscope, and an ESA educational kit.
Impact indicators:
2.4. “Seeds of Good” Project – communication courses
Period: October 2025 – ongoing
Partner: Livada Local Council
In 2025, the Garden of Science Association launched the “Seeds of Good” project, an educational program focused on developing communication, reading, writing, and oral expression skills for lower secondary school students.
The project was presented to the local community and structured around two educational tracks – communication in Romanian and communication in English – with phased implementation planned for the coming years, depending on locally identified needs and available resources.
During the launch phase, information, registration, and planning activities were carried out with the support of local authorities.
The full implementation of the “Seeds of Good” project will continue in the coming years, adapted to children’s educational needs and the community context.
3. Development directions and plans for 2026
Based on the experience gained in 2025, the Garden of Science Association aims to:
4. Conclusions
The year 2025 demonstrated that non-formal education, when built around the real needs of the community, can have a significant and lasting impact. Through over 10 workshops, 4 major projects implemented, 1 project funded through fundraising, and more than 300 direct and indirect beneficiaries, the Garden of Science Association strengthened its role as a promoter of modern and accessible education.
The activities carried out created authentic learning contexts, brought children closer to science, and transformed the local community into a vibrant space for exploration, curiosity, and collaboration.
The “Truth Compass” project is supported through TIMOTION 11, the largest sports fundraising event in the western part of the country. Organized by the @Timișoara Community Foundation together with the @Alergotura Association, @TIMOTION aims to inspire the local community to get involved, support projects with real impact, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
The STEAM Summer School “Green Science” in Livada, Arad, was organized by the Garden of Science Association in collaboration with @Livada City Hall and @Astroclub Galaxis Arad. The initiative was part of the national STEAM Summer Schools program, developed by the @Federation of Community Foundations in Romania with the support of @Pepco Romania and coordinated in Arad / Livada by the @Timișoara Community Foundation.
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