Youth Across Europe Tackle Social Issues in Vodafone Foundation’s Skills Upload Junior Challenge

Earlier this month, Vodafone Foundation launched the second ever Skills Upload Junior (SUJ) Challenge. A European digital skills contest, in which children aged 11 – 16 develop innovative, tech-based solutions to social challenges.

This year's competition is focused on the theme of ‘Technology as an ally: Promoting digital wellbeing by using technology thoughtfully’ and is centred on three key concepts: digital wellbeing, artificial intelligence and using technology as a tool for human connection. Together, the concepts will encourage young people to reflect on how they can achieve more balanced and conscious use of technology in their daily lives. Empowering them to use digital tools as allies for positive wellbeing and strengthened human bonds.

“The SUJ Challenge has already proven a great success, with thousands of children taking part last year,” says Gloria Placer, European Programmes Lead at Vodafone Foundation. “The continued impact of the competition highlights just how vital it is for young people to reflect on their own digital wellbeing and take an active role in developing thoughtful, innovative solutions to social challenges. Through the SUJ programme, including the Challenge competition, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and mindset needed to foster balanced, meaningful connections in the digital world.”

The SUJ Challenge invites children to participate in 7 different countries: Albania, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Türkiye, and takes place in two distinct phases.

The National Contest:

In schools across Europe, children will work in groups to identify a digital wellbeing issue relevant to their local community. They will propose a related solution and present their ideas through presentations and short videos.

In February 2026, national juries in each country will evaluate these submissions, selecting one winning group from each country.

The International Contest:

The winners of each of the national contests will receive mentorship to enhance their public speaking skills and further develop their proposal.

In March, their refined projects will be submitted to an international jury of experienced professionals, who will assess them based on the quality of the proposal and the group's presentation and communication skills.

From these finalists, the judges will select this year’s SUJ Challenge European Winner, with the whole group earning an international experience as their prize.

Vodafone Foundation’s SUJ programme offers opportunities for children and young adults across Europe to develop their digital skills and confidence. Using dedicated hubs, customised websites, schools, and collaborative projects, the SUJ programme encourages creative and critical thinking around digital tool use.

SUJ also equips teachers and youth workers with training, bespoke content, and technology tools, ensuring that digital skills are integrated across the curriculum - not just in IT or computer science classes.