• The Foundation’s dual education class will be run in collaboration with the “Paul Dimo” Vocational School in Galati and will be available to 20 ninth grade students
• Launched in the presence of Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania and Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie of Romania

GFG Foundation in Romania, in partnership with LIBERTY Galati, is launching a dual education system, offering new career opportunities for young people. The launch took place in the presence of Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania, His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania, Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie of Romania and other representatives of the Romanian Royal Household during their visit to LIBERTY Galați.

The dual education programme  at the “Paul Dimo” Vocational School in Galati, will see 20 students in the ninth grade combining a mixture of vocational and technical training, merging theoretical knowledge taught by teachers with practical activities carried out by LIBERTY Galati mentors.

Students will have the opportunity to work alongside experts from Liberty Galati to develop their technical skills. As well as embarking on  fun activities to develop their life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and confidence building.

Speaking after the launch of the GFG Foundation’s dual education programme in Romania, Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Chairman of the GFG Alliance and Founder of the GFG Foundation, said: “I am very honoured Her Majesty and their Royal Highnesses were able to join us at LIBERTY Galati for this special day. The Foundation’s aim is to give students some important skills to help them towards being job-ready after school. These learning programmes are designed to involve students in problem solving real-world issues that are happening in their local communities, helping to close the emerging skills gap, particularly in science and engineering. Our programmes help to nurture the innovators and entrepreneurs of the future and I can think of nowhere better to launch the dual learning programme  than here at LIBERTY Galati, where we have exciting plans to be a GREENSTEEL producer of the future.”

Georgina Crumpton, General Manager GFG Alliance & GFG Foundation said: “The dual education programme  aims to develop both technical and interpersonal skills – communication, collaboration, and self-confidence. In addition, GFG Foundation students will also work with UK-based education provider Rewise Learning, who will deliver a bespoke programme, resulting in an additional UK accredited qualification. Throughout the programme there is a strong focus on building self-esteem, so that students develop a confidence in using their own voice, expressing their points of view, so they are better able to navigate an adult world after school. The GFG Foundation is pleased to support this educational programme and the young people in Galati.”

Aida Nechifor, General Director of LIBERTY Galati added: “LIBERTY Galati is undergoing an extensive process of transformation into a GREENSTEEL producer by 2030. This transformation will only be possible with a well-trained team of specialists. That is why we are happy to support this programme and to welcome the GFG Foundation students to learn more about  future job opportunities and how industry is changing  from the best possible mentors. I also congratulate the parents who encourage their children towards industry, because in doing so, we are building the green future of our community and our country.”

Prof. Anca Ușer, Principal of the “Paul Dimo” Vocational School said: “I warmly invite the 8th grade students to apply to this unique programme in the country!  We are excited to collaborate with the GFG Foundation and LIBERTY Galati to develop new learning methods such as this dual education project. Starting this autumn we are opening for the first-time innovative courses for future electricians, where students will actively learn both in the classroom and alongside specialists. I am also pleased to see the growing interest of the business community in training the workforce.”

A dual education system is one in which apprenticeships at a company is combined with courses in a vocational school. Students who will graduate from 8^th grade in 2022 can enrol at “Paul Dimo” Vocational School in the dual education class by completing the enrolment forms between July 4^th and July 8^th, 2022, using 567D code.

Founded by Sanjeev Gupta and his wife Nicola, the GFG Foundation is a charitable organization that aims to develop educational programs that give young people an insight into industry through real-world experiences, while developing their confidence, communication, and interpersonal skills. Established in the UK in 2017 and launching in Romania in August 2021, the GFG Foundation works with educational partners to help thousands of young people through science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) programs to develop entrepreneurial skills and inspire them by presenting opportunities in their community.