As parents, we all look at our kids with awe, pride, and wonder.
Awe,
because of their sharp intelligence and infinite curiosity to discover everything.
Pride,
because our offspring outsmart and outperform us, and we can barely rise to their expectations.
Wonder,
because we constantly ask ourselves how we can help them use their potential in the best way possible for their future.
I also know that children learn best before the age of 12. After that, the results of self-development are slower and less pronounced.
I know this feeling well. As a mom and a chemist, I wanted to give my son, Mae, the best possible education. But I realized that school wasn't enough. Outdoor activities are great for kids' bodies, but what about their minds?
The secret is fun.
Children learn more and faster than adults because they enjoy the process. They discover, experiment, play, laugh, and wonder. But adults don't.
As a mom, I had to figure out how to make learning fun for my son. And as a chemist, I had to be willing to fill in the gaps myself.
That's when I discovered STEAM education. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. It is a holistic approach to learning that uses all of these disciplines to enhance children's creativity and analytical skills.
I started to apply STEAM principles at home with Mae. I turned into a kid again and tried different approaches to make science and technology fun and engaging for him. After a while, I noticed that he preferred robotics and coding over football and gaming. And he started creating new things on his own.
My friends and family were amazed and wanted to do the same for their kids. I realized that if my approach worked for Maé and other kids in my circle, it would work for all kids.
That's how Cranium was born.
In 2016, I started developing and improving the Cranium Edu learning concept. I pitched my idea at a competition for young entrepreneurs in Lebanon and won a grant from Berytech and UNDP. This grant helped me to propel Cranium forward.
My dream has continued to grow, and my work has expanded. The impact of Cranium on children's lives has been truly remarkable.
After many years on this journey, I am proud to say that I have seen stars in the eyes of hundreds of children. I am happy to pursue my work, knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of kids like Maé.
“If it worked with my son, it will work for all kids!”
— Joelle, Founder of cranium