The Global Junior Challenge (GJC), now in its tenth edition in 2021, is the competition that rewards the most innovative projects that use new technologies (internet, virtual reality, multimedia systems, LMS, etc.) for the education and training of young people. Historically promoted by Roma Capitale and organized every two years by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, since 2017 the competition is dedicated to Tullio De Mauro (Torre Annunziata 1932 - Rome 2017), linguist, professor emeritus and scholar of education systems at the international level.
The GJC is the concluding event of a set of activities promoting the strategic role of new technologies in the circulation of knowledge, intercultural cooperation, the fight against educational poverty and the reduction of the social gap, to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2021 edition, promoted in collaboration with Erickson - a publishing house and study center for 35 years active in the fields of educational innovation and inclusion, is dedicated to Goal 4 of Agenda 2030, quality education for all declined in the pandemic situation by Covid-19.
GJC 2021: for quality education for all in the time of Covid
Organizations and schools that have implemented projects that have managed to combine innovation and quality education with inclusion in health emergencies, while also actively involving families and the entire educational community, can participate in the 2021 edition.
The categories in which projects can be submitted are:
- Education up to 10 years
- Education up to 15 years of age
- Education up to 18 years of age
- Education up to 29 years of age
- Placement of young people in employment
Only working or newly completed projects are eligible to enter the competition, not project ideas.
The Tullio De Mauro Prize
In every part of the world, the general level of education affects the average individual income, the productivity of the country and the responsible participation of citizens in public affairs. Not only is "studying an instrument of freedom" (Tullio De Mauro), but it is indispensable for societies and individuals to make free and responsible choices and to contribute to personal and community development. The Tullio De Mauro Special Award is reserved for teachers and school leaders.
The award provides recognition to the innovative teacher who has been able to combine quality, equitable and inclusive education in his or her educational offerings, including through the use of innovative technologies, tools and methodologies. Because everywhere love in one's profession is the force that drives transformation.
A special session of the competition is reserved for school leaders who have been able to lead the systemic transformation of their school (or schools) including through the inclusive use of new technologies and the implementation of shared projects with the territory and the educational community.
Nominations of innovative teachers and school leaders can be submitted by themselves or another person/organization.
An international jury selects the finalists and chooses the winners.
Final Event
From December 15-17, 2021, the final event takes place at the Palestra dell'Innovazione in Rome (via del Quadraro 102).
The three days are enlivened by conferences, workshops and activities for teachers, trainers, managers and parents, and synergies with other initiatives of national relevance.
The Awards
The following prizes are awarded in the 2021 edition:
- medals to the winning projects in each category of GJC 2021;
- "Tullio De Mauro teacher innovator 2021" medal;
- "Tullio De Mauro school leader innovator 2021" medal; and
- Erickson awards for innovative teacher and school leader 2021
The award ceremony takes place on December 17, 2021 in the Julius Caesar Hall on the Capitol.
The editions
In ten editions, a database was created with over 4,000 projects implemented in all parts of the world. More than 700 success stories have been selected and more than 100 prizes awarded.
