TUMO’s Big Goal: To Enable Youth Acquire the 21st Century Skills

BY RUDINA HOXHA

“If we want a generation competent for future jobs, schools need to reinvent their curriculums and include more effective learning environments to promote the development of digital literacy skills. That is precisely the gap that TUMO is filling - offering a learning center where technology and art merge to provide teens a competitive edge in the digital world,” says Ms. Shqipe Berisha, General Manager of TUMO Tirana (www.tirana.tumo.al) in an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

She explained that at Tumo Tirana, students between 12-18 years old, are introduced to a new kind of educational experience. “Students find a hands-on learning approach, a unique learning path based on their interests while developing their skills in eight different fields: Animation; Graphic Design; Game Development; Filmmaking; Programming; 3D Modeling; Music and Robotics. Learning is independent, delivered through a software-based platform in English, allowing students to create their personalized learning plan as they are assisted by experienced coaches.”

In her interview, TUMO’s General Manager reveals in details all the possibilities that the Center offers for the students. TUMO was brought to Tirana by The Albanian-American Development

Foundation (AADF) in partnership with the Municipality of Tirana and TUMO Headquarters, early in October of 2020. It is currently situated at the Air Albania Stadium (Arena Center), and the center occupies roughly 1,242 SQM of space on the 3rd floor. Since the opening, the center has reached full capacity, welcoming 1,000 teens per week who are now attending these innovative learning sessions.

FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

Please tell us more about yourself and your journey at TUMO?

Since August 2020, I am the general manager of TUMO Tirana, the newest tech center for teens in Albania. After a very long career in telecommunications, I stepped into the educational area leveraging my knowledge in the latest technological trends and business acumen to contribute to preparing the success of our new generation in a digital world.

TUMO is expected to make a real impact and produce change-makers. What unique services does TUMO provide to the Albanian students?

At TUMO, teens learn technical skills at the intersection of technology and design while also gaining industry knowledge and soft skills essential for success in the digital world. Students find a hands-on learning approach, a unique learning path based on their interests while developing their skills in eight different fields: Animation; Graphic Design; Game Development; Filmmaking; Programming; 3D Modeling; Music and Robotics. Learning is independent, delivered through a software-based platform in English, allowing students to create their personalized learning plan as they are assisted by experienced coaches. Students also attend workshops, led by workshop leaders who are industry pros in Albania and abroad. They chart their own learning path through hands-on activities, workshops and projects. Each learning mode offers unique opportunities for student growth and is designed to push all types of learners outside of their comfort zones and achieve concrete results. The goal of this center is to improve the quality of education in Albania and to enable youth to acquire the 21st century skills needed for the evolving job market.

Innovation and technology are now a necessity for companies to thrive, how can TUMO help them to make the best of these?

If we want a generation competent for future jobs, schools need to reinvent their curriculums and include more effective learning environments to promote the development of digital literacy skills. That is precisely the gap that TUMO is filling - offering a learning center where technology and art merge to provide teens a competitive edge in the digital world.

This is achieved by introducing a new kind of educational experience. The TUMO software that teens use at the center, called TUMO Path, is an artificial Intelligence based educational platform that combines a personal learning plan, a constantly evolving timeline that can span up to two years. It suggests the best route for each learner to take through the TUMO program and dynamically adapts to their pace and preferences over time. As teens progress through the timeline, completing projects and leveling up skills, they build a digital portfolio of results that becomes their living diploma. This new learning experience puts the students at the focus, while providing them with all the tools and knowledge they need. On top of that, TUMO offers the latest tech, equipment and software, and

a modern and unique environment where teens can explore their creativity and gain digital and analytical skills. establishment of TUMO Centers in cities like Paris, Beirut, Berlin, Moscow and now Tirana.

How sustainable is TUMO?

TUMO was founded and is primarily financed by Sam Simonian of “The Simonian Educational Foundation”. The first center opened in Yerevan, Armenia in 2011 and from then it has expanded in other cities in Armenia and abroad. In recent years, TUMO has received a lot of international attention due to its unique philosophy in offering a new kind of education experience that puts the students in focus, enabling them with all the assistance they need to reach their maximum potential. The French magazine “We Demain” has ranked Ten Best Schools worldwide with TUMO Center for Creative Technologies on the top of the list. Moreover, many key personalities around the world have expressed their appraisal and interest in TUMO, leading to the TUMO was brought to Tirana by The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) in partnership with the Municipality of Tirana and TUMO Headquarters, early in October of 2020. We are currently situated at the Air Albania Stadium (Arena Center), and the center occupies roughly 1,242 SQM of space on the 3rd floor. Since the opening, the center has reached full capacity, welcoming 1,000 teens per week who are now attending these innovative learning sessions. Students have at their disposal common study areas, workshop rooms, and learning labs equipped with the latest technology. There’s also a state-of-the-art music studio where more advanced students can put their skills and creativity to the test when creating original projects and gaining exposure to professional-level equipment and software.

In the fall of 2022, the center will move to its permanent home in the Pyramid of Tirana. MVRDV, a renowned Dutch architectural studio, will revitalize and transform the space into a multifunctional center for technology, culture, and art. The new design of the Pyramid incorporates an open plaza with public spaces, including a library. And there will be units that startups can hire, especially those that are complementary to the Tumo program. The pyramid will function as a not-for-profit center and will be dedicated toarts, media, visual arts, and the ICT (Information and communications technology) community.

In your view, how serious can the merging of art with technology be?

Research shows that interdisciplinary teaching helps advance critical thinking and cognitive development. In a world that is constantly changing, it is important to prepare teens so they have a diverse background and are prepared for the future of work, even for professions that don’t exist now. By broadening their horizon and introducing them to new fields and disciplines at the intersection of arts and tech, students are highly motivated as they have a vested interest in pursuing topics that are interesting to them. As a result, learning becomes meaningful and purposeful, resulting in learning experiences that stay with the student for a lifetime.

What is the TUMO invitation to the prospect students who love to develop their technology skills?

Everyone who is between 12-18 years old and is interested in trying a new learning experience where they can create their own paths is welcomed to stop by the center and visit us.

At TUMO, you are encouraged to explore, create and follow your passions, while at the same time diversifying and improving your skills.

If you want to learn more about TUMO, visit www.tirana.tumo.al.

As teens progress through the timeline, completing projects and leveling up skills, they build a digital portfolio of results that becomes their living diploma.

The TUMO software that teens use at the center, called TUMO Path, is an artificial Intelligencebased educational platform that combines a personal learning plan, a constantly evolving timeline that can span up to two years.

TUMO is an experimental place where the idea is not to just teach classes but to make students feel comfortable and build a very strong foundation for their future careers. They prepare to become competitive candidates for fast-growing industries at a global scale, expand horizons and develop their mentalities towards a civic and professional value system that is based on merit, communication, teamwork, initiative, trust, and self-confidence.