To celebrate Girls Day (Netherlands), FabConnectHer brought the world of science and technology to life during a vibrant morning at D’Lab in Leeuwarden. Girls Day is a national initiative by VHTO, that encourages girls to discover the possibilities of working in science, technology, and innovation. This local event linked perfectly with FabConnectHer’s mission: making STEAM accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for all girls.
A group of girls from ISK Piter Jelles took part in two creative, hands-on workshops—guided by students from Firda’s teacher training programme. The sessions were designed to build confidence and spark curiosity, and each offered a different kind of challenge.
In the first workshop, the girls got to grips with basic programming using small robots. They gave their robots instructions, tested them out, and watched their commands come to life—sometimes with unexpected (and funny) results. The excitement was contagious, and the robots quickly became a group favourite.
The second workshop focused on design and 3D printing. Using simple digital tools, the girls created personalised keychains with their names, favourite shapes, or initials. They then watched their creations being printed on the spot—each one a unique souvenir and a proud reminder of what they had learned.
For some, it was a first introduction to STEAM; others jumped straight in, confidently exploring the tools and asking questions. The morning showed that learning doesn’t have to begin with textbooks or theory—sometimes, all it takes is a robot, a 3D printer, and a space where girls feel encouraged to explore and experiment.
