The project
NOS' ambition is to contribute to the development of a more digital society, in which access to technology is democratic and does not leave out the more vulnerable sections of society.
Projeto ZER01 arises from a partnership with ENSICO, and aims to bring computing education to children and youths throughout the country.
Since its launch in 2022, Project ZER01 has been a major contributor to the over 25 000 computer classes delivered to primary school students, following ENSICO's methodology and curriculum.
As of the 2024/2025 academic year, 43 educational institutions, 376 teachers, and over 7 000 students have been involved.
| 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | 25/26 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students | 172 | 1600 | 2205 | 4494 | 7332 | 12502 |
| Teachers | 8 | 62 | 130 | 143 | 376 | 654* |
| Schools/Colleges | 4 | 21 | 28 | 35 | 43 | 80* |
| Computer Classes/Workshops | 280 | 2555 | 3500 | 7140 | 11655 | 19880* |
| School Grades Covered (1-9) | 5th to 8th | 3rd to 9th | 1st to 9th | 1st to 9th | 1st to 9th | 1st to 9th |
* estimated
With a renewed ambition, Project ZER01 continues its active role in this mission, through which an estimated over 12 500 primary school students in Portugal will have computer classes during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Why computing?
Young people who are able to "think computationally", will be better equipped and prepared to design, understand and use computer-based technologies today and in the future.
Computing is the subject that allows exploring the power of machines, understanding their language and how they work. Computational thinking generates immediate synergies with structural subjects such as Portuguese and mathematics, resulting in the improvement of students' school performance.
As well as contributing to the development of key skills, it enhances a sense of excellence and individual capabilities, and contributes to equal opportunities for young people in the future.
Teaching computing to school children and young people is a unique opportunity to make an impact on the success and inclusion of new generations.
ENSICO and its methodology
ENSICO is a Non-Governmental Organisation that stimulates the development of computational thinking among young people, helping them to achieve their academic and personal goals and promoting their full integration in society. It promotes training oriented towards structured thinking, adapted to the digital world, providing better levels of attention, clarity of reasoning and critical thinking in the interpretation of reality.
The computer classes promoted under Projeto ZER01 are based on the ENSICO's methodology, which is founded on interaction, collaboration, experimentation, creativity and evolution. Knowledge begins to be acquired subliminally and indirectly, becoming progressively more explicit and direct as the years progress.