DEI4SME Team Engages with Students at the Neurodiversity Day
On October 29, 2024, from 12:00 to 16:00, the DEI4SME team set up an engaging stand at the Neurodiversity Day organized at the University of Vaasa, Finland. The Neurodiversity Day was a unique university-wide event that focused on addressing challenges and tools for neurodivergent students. It was wonderful to collaborate with the organizing team and be a part of this event with the DEI4SME project.
The DEI4SME team engaged with around 150 students, providing an understanding of the DEI4SME project, which promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). DEI4SME’s initiatives, including the upcoming hackathon in February 2025. Students had the opportunity to learn about DEI4SME’s upcoming hackathon I (Finland & Online), which will offer hands-on experience in solving DEI-related issues. Students got to know that a certificate of participation will issued to all the hackathon participants, that there will be prizes for the winning teams, and that there is potentially the possibility to receive a study credit.
The DEI4SME hackathon will take place from February 4-19, 2025, at the University of Vaasa, Finland. This hackathon will focus on promoting the inclusion of diverse groups within the internationalization of SMEs. Participating students will benefit from direct interaction with SMEs who are implementing and seeking to further enhance their social sustainability actions, DEI experts, gain valuable skills, and contribute to materials that will later be used in educational resources across Europe.
Read more about the Hackathon I (Finland & Online) and register here: https://dei4sme.eu/dei4sme-hackathon-finland/
More about Neurodiversity Day at the University of Vaasa:
This October, the University of Vaasa was celebrating neurodiversity and appreciating the unique differences. Under the leadership of Heini Pensar, various events recognized that we all have distinct learning styles and that our brains work in various ways, affecting how we focus, perceive the world, and interact socially. Embracing neurodiversity enriches our community by fostering creativity and offering multiple perspectives. By understanding and valuing this diversity, we can create an environment that supports everyone's strengths and potential.
Neuro-Friendly October featured events and resources designed to support different learning needs and enhance student well-being. The events included Webcast Series, Neurodiversity Counseling, Neuro-Friendly Study Sessions, Sensory-Friendly Room, and Neurodiversity Afternoon.