PROJECT-SUPPORT SWITZERLAND

Country / Place

Switzerland, City of Zug

General information

For over 15 years, children and young people aged 9 to 19 have been able to discover technology and crafts in a playful way at the Einstein Tüftellabor (tinkering workplace) in Zug. The entire infrastructure and workshop are at their disposal.

Discovering creativity
With a variety of tools and expert support, one can realise their own projects, experiment and learn. Whether 3D printing, electronics or woodwork - the Tüftellabor stands for the joy of innovation and self-realisation. Ideal for anyone who wants to organise their free time and try out new things in a meaningful way.

The workplace is open three times a week: on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. An introductory course is compulsory for all tinkerers before they can get started.

Introductory course
The children and young people learn how to use the workplace as well as its various areas, and are trained in the use of different equipment, machines and materials.  

Areas and beneficiaries

After the introductory course, the children can come along at any time and work independently on their own projects. The young DIY enthusiasts are comprehensively supervised and instructed on site. A number of retirees are on hand as experienced coaches.

The Tüftellabor has 180 enrolled children. They usually visit the lab several times a year, sometimes even weekly. It is particularly pleasing that the programme reaches people from very different social and cultural backgrounds - and that around a third of the participants are girls. This is a strong indication of the low-threshold accessibility of the programme, especially in the technical and craft areas.

The programme closes an important gap - both in terms of the growing demands on schools in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and practical education, as well as with regard to the individual support of children and young people. Many of the tinkerers discover skills, interests and self-confidence that are often neglected in regular lessons and in their free time.

Making free time meaningful
Time is spent on creative and productive activities that are not only fun but also provide valuable knowledge. In the workplace, one can realise their own ideas, try out new things and complete exciting projects. Whether building mechanical constructions, programming or experimenting with electronics - everyone can develop their skills in a fun way.    

Support from experts
The experienced coaches accompany the participants in their projects and are on hand with help and advice. They help the children master technical challenges, learn new skills and find creative solutions. Regardless of whether it is the first time they have held a soldering iron in their hand or whether already have experience with digital production techniques - the volunteers support everyone in successfully realising and improving their ideas.

Experience technology
Children and young people not only learn about technology from books but also put it into practice themselves. In the Tüftellabor, they can work with various tools and machines - from soldering irons to 3D printers and laser cutters. They will learn how electronic circuits work, how components are made from different materials, and how modern manufacturing techniques are shaping the world around us. Experimentation, trial and error, and practical learning take centre stage.

Free programme
Participation in the Tüftellabor is free of charge. Only the material costs for the own projects have to be covered by the children.