Grow uP Esports initiative promotes creativity and citizenship in schools through Minecraft
Grow uP Esports is developing the national initiative Minecraft School Challenge, which promotes creativity, citizenship, and the development of digital skills among 4th-grade students, with Lenovo as the technology partner.
Developed in partnership with the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ) and with the support of the Municipal Councils of Seixal and Sintra, the project uses the video game Minecraft as an educational tool to engage students, teachers, and schools in innovative learning experiences focused on creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.
“Through this challenge, young people develop key skills such as critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration, preparing them not only for their academic journey but also for the professional world and everyday life,” says Telmo Silva, representative of Grow uP Esports.
As part of this collaboration, Lenovo provides the technological support for the initiative by supplying equipment for the sessions, helping to overcome limitations in access to IT resources in schools and ensuring the participation of all students.
Integrated into the 4th-grade curriculum, the Minecraft School Challenge aims to develop technical and social skills, promote teamwork and a competitive spirit, and foster creativity and innovation. The initiative will last for two months, with weekly two-hour sessions, totaling 16 hours of training per class.
In this first edition, the project will involve 132 students, distributed across classes of 20 to 24 students, in schools in the municipalities of Sintra and Seixal. Activities will begin in April and May, respectively, marking the launch of a nationwide rollout for the initiative.
The Minecraft School Challenge proposes challenges adapted to the age and school year of the participants. Topics include “Heroes of Our Community,” “Legends and Myths of Portugal,” “Mathematical Wonders and Design for Accessibility,” and “Literary Landscapes,” as well as the interpretation of works such as The Lusiads, all developed within the Minecraft environment.