On September 14, SCOLAR Network came together for the new academic year welcome meeting — a chance to reconnect, hear from hubs, and exchange practical ideas for the season ahead.

The call opened with greetings from Victoria Khu, cofounder of SCOLAR, who warmly welcomed new curators and members while emphasizing the importance of building trust and aligning local hub efforts with the network’s shared vision.
Hosted by Aizhamal Ibraeva, SCOLAR Hubs Fellow, the session began with an icebreaker where members reflected on what SCOLAR means to them. Many highlighted community spirit, professional growth, and cross-border friendships, setting a collaborative tone for the rest of the meeting.

Hub updates showcased a wide range of initiatives: education, cultural exchange, and sustainability among them. These examples offered inspiration and practical ideas that can be adapted across regions.
A highlight of the call was the introduction of the SCOLAR Grant, designed to support hubs in developing cross-regional projects with financial backing.

The open-mic session gave space for questions, reflections, and sharing of experiences — from challenges to success stories — encouraging collective learning.
The meeting was an energizing start to the academic year: informative, motivating, and full of opportunities for hubs to connect and grow together.