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A Powerful Start to International Week 2025 in Lithuania at Kauno kolegija Alytus Faculty.

This week, something truly special is happening in Alytus — a city known for its warmth, resilience, and strong community spirit. Kauno kolegija’s Alytus Faculty has proudly opened its doors to the world, hosting the first day of International Week 2025, themed “Building Resilience and Networks for the Digital Future.”

From April 7th to 11th, this event unites more than 50 guests and academic partners from across the globe — countries as diverse as Finland, Kenya, Albania, Malaysia, France, Turkey, Georgia, Germany, India, Netherlands, and many more — along with the support and presence of local social partners, city representatives, and the vibrant Alytus town‘s & Kauno kolegija communities.

Spotlight on Regional Development in Alytus

The opening day, held at the Alytus Faculty, was dedicated to a topic close to our hearts: regional development. It highlighted the importance of collaboration between education, local governance, and the business sector in driving innovation, sustainability, and growth.

The programme began with a short interactive warm-up platform — a lively activity that showcased just how global and connected this event is. Guests engaged in real-time, sharing where they’re from and what they hope to gain from the week ahead.

Warm welcome speeches followed from:

• Dr. Jolanta Bareikienė, Vice Director for Studies at Kauno kolegija
• Kristina Daugelevičienė, Vice Mayor of Alytus Municipality
• Kamilė Albavičienė, Alytus Municipality Business Department Representative

Each emphasized how partnerships and vision shape the future of the region and how proud they are to see Alytus as a hub of international cooperation.

Inspiring the Future Through Education and Innovation

One of the day’s highlights was a powerful presentation by Dr. Mindaugas Samuolaitis, Dean of Alytus Faculty, who shared insights on how collaboration, education, and EU-funded innovations (through the Recovery and Resilience Facility – RRF) are transforming Alytus into a forward-thinking and digitally resilient region.

Guests also took part in hands-on experiences at the faculty’s STEAM labs, including:

• Culinary heritage journey through bread making
• Exploring plant pigments for photoelectricity
• Constructing a maze in the Physics Lab
• Laser robotics with Dobot Magician
• And a stunning VR experience, “Creation of the Worlds,” inspired by the artwork and spirit of Lithuanian composer M. K. Čiurlionis

A Celebration of Culture and Connection

The day concluded with a warm networking reception, where guests tasted authentic Dzūkija region cuisine, including the beloved traditional dish BANDOS. Sticky notes filled with ideas, feedback, and future collaboration plans decorated the “Future Collaboration Wall,” reminding everyone that this week is just the beginning.

Alytus on the Map – Globally and Locally

Kauno kolegija’s Alytus Faculty is not just a place of learning — it’s a space where cultures meet, ideas grow, and partnerships are born. Events like this prove that regional campuses can have a global voice, and Alytus is speaking loud and clear.

To all our social partners, city leaders, and international guests:
Thank you for being here, for believing in shared growth, and for shaping the digital future together — right here in Alytus.

On April 7–11, 2025, Kaunas kolegija is hosting  the International Week 2025 “Building Resilience and Networks for the Digital Future”, which brings together international partners and the kolegija‘s community. During the event, attention is paid to current global challenges, the importance of global cooperation, and includes aspects of resilience, digital transformation, and networking.

“Participants in the International Week events will have the opportunity to learn more about Kaunas kolegija’s membership in the European University Alliance #UNINOVIS – Data for L.I.F.E., research and experimental development projects, the Alytus Faculty, that has became a part of Kaunas College, etc. In addition, the international scientific conference “Business and Technology Conference” will be held during the same week,” notes Jolanta Bareikienė, Deputy Director for Studies at Kaunas kolegija.