This year’s theme, Journey of Change, is about embracing growth and creating meaningful impact over time. The first months set the tone with the Kick-off & Curiosity sub-theme, which invited us to explore, ask questions, and open new paths for learning through experience. Here’s how we kicked off the year:
Learning – mentoring & skills
1. Growing together – from guidance to real skills (COTE Foundation)
Our 11+ year partnership with Fundația COTE is built around a shared commitment: supporting students from rural communities with strong potential to stay in school and build a path forward. Alongside this long-term support, we introduced Yonder Buddy, a volunteering initiative designed to bring us closer to the students we support, not just as sponsors, but as mentors, listeners, and guides.
After Phase 1 last autumn, where we explored career paths, personal values, and future possibilities together, we moved into Phase 2 this quarter. Thirteen high school students from Ceplenița took part in a structured series of sessions delivered by 8 Yonder volunteers, covering:
- Critical Thinking & AI
- Decisions & Goals
- Time Management & Digital Habits
- Structuring Ideas and Helpful Digital tools
- Public Speaking (in partnership with Mihai Eminescu National College theater’s troupe)
Students were encouraged to think independently, speak up, and take ownership of their path. Their reflections say it best:
-
“I started thinking more seriously about what I want to become in the future.”
-
“It was a full day that made me see things differently.”
-
“I want to build more confidence when speaking in front of others.”
-
“I really enjoyed meeting new people and getting out of my comfort zone.”
-
“Thank you for your time, patience, and for helping us see things differently.”
At the end of the program, each of them received a laptop, along with a challenge they will carry forward into Phase 3. More updates to come.
2. Bridging education and real-world experience (FII Practic & Stagii pe Bune)
We continued to invest in the next generation of tech professionals through two key initiatives. At FII Practic, 17 Yonder colleagues joined as mentors, guiding students in areas such as DevOps and Java & AI, helping them build real, production-ready projects. At Stagii pe Bune, our colleagues shared honest career stories, lessons learned, and practical insights with students preparing for their first steps into the industry.
Opening doors to new paths
1. Learning beyond the classroom (ELS Association)
Our ongoing partnership with the Asociația Echiparea Liderilor Pentru Succes (ELS) continued to bring meaningful experiences to students from rural schools in Dragu and Gârbău. The goal: to open doors to new environments, new people, and new ways of seeing the world.
Through a series of carefully designed moments, we stepped outside the classroom and into real life:
- A financial literacy workshop
- A visit to Cluj, including a musical theatre experience
- A hands-on birdhouse-building workshop
- A museum visit and interactive activities
- A “Warm at Heart Day” focused on kindness and connection
We also supported the program with equipment donations to help ensure these experiences can continue. The biggest impact, as we see it, comes not from what children learn, but from what they get to see, feel, and imagine for themselves.
2. Encouraging digital confidence (ESET4Schools)
In March, we supported ESET4Schools 2026, a 3-day event in Durău focused on digital safety and creativity for students from rural communities near the Ceahlău mountains. We provided laptops for the duration of the event, ensuring all participants could fully engage in the activities – hands-on sessions around technology and AI, with one clear goal: helping students become creators, not just consumers of technology.
Staying consistent – ongoing commitments that matter
1. Supporting future tech talent (Phoenix Robotics Team)
We proudly maintain our support for the Phoenix Robotics Team from Avram Iancu High School, Cluj. This quarter, the team won 1st Place – Think Award at the regional competition, securing their qualification for the National Championship in Bucharest. To recognize their achievement, we committed to doubling our financial support for the next stage.
2. Sharing knowledge that protects (Casa Filip)
We continued our cybersecurity awareness sessions at Casa Filip, supporting cancer patients with practical guidance on topics like online fraud, suspicious calls, and data protection. This quarter, two new colleagues joined the initiative — doubling the number of Yonderists involved compared to last year. “I truly enjoy going there. I was really looking forward to last week’s session, especially since I had missed the previous one.” – Ioana, Security Analyst
Looking ahead
Q1 reminded us that leadership can start early – through exposure, guidance, and the courage to explore. And sometimes, all it takes is the right context, the right people, and the chance to try. As we move forward into 2026, we carry this mindset with us: to stay curious, to support growth, and to create opportunities for others to lead their own journeys.
More to come. Stay close.
STAY TUNED
Subscribe to our newsletter today and get regular updates on customer cases, blog posts, best practices and events.
