Wind4Kids school program

The main objective of the project was to inspire children and teachers to learn about wind energy in an active and accessible way. We wanted to increase knowledge of renewable energy, strengthen S...

The main objective of the project was to inspire children and teachers to learn about wind energy in an active and accessible way. We wanted to increase knowledge of renewable energy, strengthen STEM skills, and encourage more young people to consider careers in science and engineering. A key goal was to promote gender equality by reaching both girls and boys equally in our activities. Through hands-on workshops, we aimed to make abstract concepts tangible, while teacher trainings and material scholarships ensured long-term use in schools. We also planned to foster international cooperation by combining expertise from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. Our ambition was to reach over 5,000 children, showing that learning about wind energy can be fun, practical and relevant, while at the same time helping young people understand their role in building a sustainable future.

The project delivered school workshops across Europe, with the focus on Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. Already more than 5,000 students took part in interactive sessions where they built and tested mini wind turbines, experimented with blade designs and learned about the role of renewable energy in tackling climate change. Many workshops were combined with science festivals and public events, creating visibility beyond the classroom. To ensure lasting impact, we provided material scholarships and organised virtual teacher trainings. Schools received turbine kits and guidance so they could continue the program independently. Teachers were trained online in both the technical basics and classroom methods, equipping them to integrate wind energy into their lessons. The originally planned stand-alone Wind4Kids competition was not organised as an online event. Instead, its competitive element was integrated into workshops and festivals, where students competed for the best turbine performance. This adaptation kept the spirit of competition alive and motivated students to apply creativity and problem-solving skills.

The project reached over 5,000 students across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg. Through hands-on workshops, children gained practical experience with wind turbines and developed a stronger understanding of renewable energy, engineering and sustainability. Teachers and schools reported that the interactive approach increased curiosity and engagement, especially among younger students. Concrete outputs include the creation of tailored teaching materials, a ready-to-use PowerPoint introduction to wind energy, and a set of small turbine kits distributed to schools through material scholarships. These resources allow the program to continue beyond the funding period and ensure long-term integration into school curricula. Another important result was the successful training of teachers through virtual sessions. Educators now have the skills and confidence to independently run workshops. The project created lasting awareness, sparked interest in STEM careers, and built a strong network of schools and partners for future activities.