Empowering Futures: TAJO and scientists join forces for workshop initiatives
March 15, 2024
Two labs from the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research teamed up with TAJO – an organization combatting early school leaving and allowing young people to enter society autonomously and prepared. The two labs inspired the young TAJO people to get interested in neuroscience. We touched base with the researcher volunteers and TAJO educators to find out more about the initiative, its impact, and how to get involved.
TAJO is an organization that supports 475 young people in vulnerable home situations aged 10 to 18 in Ghent, Kortrijk, and Antwerp. Their aim is to increase the self-knowledge and confidence of youth. Three years long, the youngsters (10-14 years old) experience interactive Saturday workshops where they have the chance to engage with experts from a variety of professional fields. After that (14-18 years old), they start the dynamic alumni program where TAJO keeps supporting these young people until they obtain their secondary education diploma. TAJO's motto: Only those who are given opportunities can grab them!
"At TAJO, we believe in the power of connection between our guest teachers and our youngsters," Naomi Van Acker, Educational Coordinator at TAJO, explains. "We see again and again that bridges are being built, we are contributing to an inclusive society and that a spark is being ignited among young people to discover themselves and their talents.". TAJO does that by offering perspective: a broad view on the future and on their own talent development, by building a positive self-image and enforcing their self-confidence, and by creating a network in their own neighborhood.
Last Saturday, 10 volunteers from the De Wit and Verstreken labs at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease took part in the TAJO workshop initiative as guest lecturers. They facilitated four different workshops geared at 30 youth from the program, covering: researching sleep in flies, the different neurotransmitters in the brain, the brain across species, and the ethics of animal research.
"I am very happy to have had the outreach opportunity with TAJO," Marieke, a postdoctoral researcher in the Verstreken lab, shares. "I do hope that our brain-science day has inspired some young people to consider neuroscience as a future career path. Moreover, these kinds of outreach activities encourage me to keep putting my research question in the bigger picture, which I always find a helpful thought exercise."
Elke, a lab technician in the De Wit lab, was equally positive about her experience: "Participating in TAJO has truly been an enriching experience. As a lab technician, I've cherished the opportunity to illustrate to these adolescents that science and research encompass more than just theoretical knowledge. It's also about hands-on experimentation, problem-solving, and the application of practical skills. Witnessing the impact on these young minds as they engage in the activities has been incredibly rewarding. Their enthusiasm and genuine interest demonstrate the power of these interactive learning experiences."
When asked if she would recommend volunteering with TAJO to another researcher, Elke enthusiastically agrees. "The TAJO organization really exemplifies professionalism and dedication to its mission. From the personalized preparation for the workshops to the guidance provided on the day of the event, every aspect is meticulously planned and executed," Elke observed. "Their commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both volunteers and participants is evident in every interaction, making TAJO a truly impactful organization to be a part of."
"Last Saturday, we saw passionate guest lecturers from the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research get our youngsters excited about scientific research," Naomi reflects. "The guest lecturers ensured that barriers were lowered so that there are more opportunities for our youngsters to do scientific research in their future. Both the guest teachers and the youngsters learned more about themselves and the world we live in. A successful TAJO Saturday!"
