Students from two secondary schools in Štip took part in the Civic Agency in AI Summer School, a four-day educational program held from July 25 to 28 in Berovo.
Organized by Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans as part of the Green Generation initiative, and coordinated locally by the National Youth Council of Macedonia, the summer school brought together students from Jane Sandanski Secondary Medical School and the Kole Nehtenin Regional Centre for Vocational Education and Training in Štip.
The program approached artificial intelligence from two connected perspectives: how the technology works and how its growing use affects people, information and everyday digital life.
During the first two days, trainer Ivica Pesovski guided participants through the foundations of artificial intelligence, its development and practical applications.
The final two days were delivered by Suad Seferi, representing AINOW Society, through the module “Social Implications of AI and Responsible Digital Life.” Students explored how algorithms shape online attention, how digital platforms use personal data and how artificial intelligence can influence the information people see and trust.
Through discussions, practical activities and team challenges, participants addressed cybersecurity, misinformation, deepfakes, responsible AI use, fairness, human rights and accountability.
Working in three teams, the students developed awareness materials on issues relevant to young people. MEDIA MINDS focused on misinformation and deepfakes, AI WARE explored responsible use of AI tools, while DEBUG MASTERS addressed cybersecurity and phishing.
The teams created physical and digital posters, presented their ideas and concluded the program with an awareness reel.
The summer school offered participants a practical space to learn, create and discuss not only what artificial intelligence can do, but also how it should be used responsibly in their schools, communities and everyday lives.