Tesonet Foundation to invest €100,000 to the organization “Vedliai,” to co-develop a long-term AI literacy initiative for teachers.

The Tesonet Foundation is investing €100,000 in Vedliai to jointly launch a long-term initiative aimed at strengthening teachers’ artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in Lithuania. The program seeks to ensure that, over the next few years, an increasing number of teachers acquire foundational AI skills and can confidently integrate these technologies into their teaching.

The first phase will begin this autumn with a pilot program reaching 1,000 teachers across various regions of Lithuania.

The partnership between Tesonet and Vedliai is not new. Tesonet first invested in the organization in 2020, and this initiative represents a natural continuation of their collaborative work. It also marks the next phase of the Generation AI initiative: in 2025, schools gained access to advanced AI tools, nexos.ai and Hostinger Horizons. The current focus is on equipping teachers to use these tools safely, effectively, and confidently.

“The reality is clear: students are already using AI, but many teachers still lack the skills to apply it meaningfully in the classroom,” says Simona Laiconaitė, head of Tesonet Foundation. “Simply giving teachers access to AI tools is not enough. To truly support their daily work, teachers need confidence, practical skills, and time to understand where AI adds real value. That’s why this program is being co-created with teachers themselves—to meet their real needs, not just theoretical expectations.”

The need for this program is further underscored by both regional and international research. A 2025 study in Estonia, which closely mirrors the Lithuanian context, found that approximately 53% of teachers already use AI. Research also shows that adoption is driven less by age or experience and more by confidence and practical ability—highlighting the importance of training for all teacher groups.

Globally, only about a quarter of teachers have participated in AI-focused training, even though students are increasingly using these tools. By launching this initiative, Lithuania becomes one of the first countries to invest nationally in preparing teachers to apply AI effectively in education.

“Teachers don’t need another abstract story about AI—they need a clear understanding of how it can support their everyday work,” says Monika Katkutė-Gelžinė, founder and director of Vedliai. “If technology is going to truly benefit schools, we must start with teachers—their confidence, practical skills, and the ability to learn at their own pace.”

The program is designed to be long-term and systemic. Beyond the initial pilot, it aims to develop a continuously improving, nationwide model for AI skills development that remains relevant and practical for teachers throughout Lithuania.

About Vedliai

Vedliai is a comprehensive computer science education system for grades 1–10. Its mission is to empower teachers and students to explore, understand, and create technology—from foundational digital literacy skills to advanced artificial intelligence models. Vedliai develops modern, accessible, and structured lessons that cultivate future innovators and problem-solvers, equipping students to become creators of technology, not just consumers.