Introduction:

Nepal’s education system urgently needs a transformative overhaul to bridge the widening gap between academia and industry. UNICEF reports that a mere 27% of students are completing upper secondary education, projecting that by 2030, 46% won’t have the necessary skills for employment. Post-pandemic, there’s a surge in individuals, particularly in the 18- to 44-year-old age group, seeking foreign employment. The youth demographic is significant, constituting 40.3% of the population under 30. With MSMEs contributing 22% to GDP and employing 13.5% of the workforce, integrating entrepreneurial education in schools could reduce reliance on foreign jobs. The Innovative Lab (iLab) initiative is pivotal in aligning education with job market demands, equipping students with practical skills for a dynamic workforce, and fostering independence, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and financial stability.

What is an iLab?

iLab is more than just a lab; it’s a dynamic space fostering innovation and learning. With Project Kitchen as its centerpiece, students have access to cutting-edge technologies, promoting teamwork and hands-on exploration. The lab’s connection to industries provides real-world insights, shapes mindsets, guides financial aspects, and bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry relevance. iLab’s ongoing support and partnerships with schools ensure it becomes an integral part of the learning journey, serving as a catalyst for transformative learning and equipping students with essential skills for success in a fast-paced world.

How does iLab work?

The project’s goal is to create an innovation hub within schools. This dedicated space will be led by Grade 9 students, with support from Grade 8, providing a collaborative environment for them to explore and develop innovative ideas using the principles of design thinking. The implementation of the project will unfold in multiple phases:

Phase 1: Initial Planning, Need Assessment, and Preparation

The project starts with a crucial meeting to identify each school’s needs. Through collaborative discussions, ideas are shared to inform the planning of the Innovation Center. A dedicated group of teachers, led by one appointed teacher, oversees the center and communicates with stakeholders. The Innovation Club, consisting of 30 students from grades 8 and 9, was formed democratically for inclusivity. Teachers and students collaborate closely to manage the center, fostering a sense of ownership. This approach ensures the Innovation Center effectively nurtures creativity, problem-solving skills, and future readiness in students.

Phase 2: Maker Space Setup for iLab

After the first visit, the team will start setting up the Innovation Center. The teachers’ group, led by the school team’s main teacher, will be in charge. In the coming months, students will get involved in the center, using the materials there to turn their ideas into real products. The Innovation Center becomes a lively place where students can explore, try things out, and turn their thoughts into actual things.

Phase 3: Student Accelerator Program (5 days)

Two facilitators will visit the schools and bring materials to set up the Innovation Center. During this visit, there will be a 5-day Design Thinking Workshop called the “Student Accelerator Program (SAP).” The workshop is all about getting students deeply involved in innovation and helping them become better at solving problems and thinking like entrepreneurs. Here are some goals of SAP:

  • Teach students to identify problems and transform them into actionable opportunities.
  • Foster collaboration and the value of feedback in problem-solving.
  • Develop a growth mindset and view setbacks as learning opportunities.
  • Instill entrepreneurial and community-minded behaviors.
  • Apply design thinking principles to real-world situations.

The workshop will cover both hard skills (e.g., business research, presentation, website and app design, CAD design, 3D printing, prototyping) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, critical thinking, collaboration).

Phase 4: iJatra (Idea and Product Exhibition)

In the iLab initiative, students’ hard work and creativity shine brightly in the iJatra school exhibition. This special event is a stage for students to display the products and ideas they’ve developed during the Student Accelerator Programs. iJatra isn’t just a regular exhibition; it’s a showcase of innovation and entrepreneurship, giving students the chance to present, sell, and share what they’ve created.

It goes beyond the usual exhibition by letting students turn their business ideas into live demonstrations, get helpful feedback, and aim for getting better and better. This lively and interactive event not only shows off the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit nurtured in iLab but also emphasizes how the skills learned during the program are practical and useful in the real world.

Phase 3: Sustaining Innovation and Empowering Student Leadership

After the iJatra exhibition, the Innovation Club steps up, and teachers take a step back. Students, working together in teams, keep fostering innovation, train younger students, use the space, and help each other grow. We regularly share updates on how things are going, and if students achieve certain goals, they might get more funds for the next year. The big goal is to pass the center on to younger students, making sure it can keep going smoothly within the iLab system. The idea is to keep the innovation fire burning and smoothly pass on the leadership to the next group of students.

Phase 6: Celebrating Success and Nurturing Future Innovators

The last visit wraps up the first year of the Innovation Center project. During this important check-in, the team looks at how the Innovation Club has done over the year, considering all the things they’ve been up to. It’s a big moment for students to show off what they’ve achieved and how dedicated they’ve been to bringing in new ideas and projects. If students have done exceptionally well, they might get more funds for the next year. This not only recognizes their hard work but also gives crucial support for the ongoing activities of the Innovation Center Club. It’s a way to encourage them to keep going as creators, innovators, and problem solvers.

Case Study:

The change in students at Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School (KPKS) during their time with the SAP project was really amazing. Though saying iLab completely changes students in a week might be too much, it does help them a lot. It’s like a journey — first, they believed they could come up with ideas, and then they actually made stuff from those ideas. They learned to look at problems before fixing them.

What’s even great is that they learned how to sell their ideas and make them really valuable. They didn’t just solve one problem; they made things that help a lot of people. They also learned how to turn their ideas into business plans. This small step into making business plans helps them become more independent and business-minded. This new understanding makes the students feel really happy and proud. It’s a big change in how they see and solve problems.

On the KPKS iLab program, the children from Grade 8 and 9 worked on the following projects:

Ita and Kwo: (The Newari Way)

In Kathmandu, there’s a group called ‘Aama Samuha’ making Newari products like Methi ko Aachar, Organic face scrubs, and delicious treats. The problem is, the group members are busy and don’t have time for cool designs and packaging. So, the students had a clever idea. They made a plan for two products, ‘Ita, the methi pickle’ and ‘Kwo, organic face and body scrub.’ They put these products in packages that look good and don’t spoil. They also made social media and websites. Now, they can sell these awesome products to many people and share the cool Newari culture worldwide. It’s a way to let more people know about these fantastic Newari items!

Accerise: 3D Printed Figurines

The Waste Cleaners, a student-led initiative, addresses the prevalent mismanagement of plastic waste in the Mithila region, particularly PET bottles. Despite dustbins being present, locals habitually discard plastic waste, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards. Through critical thinking, group discussions, observations, internet research, and mentor consultations, The Waste Cleaners propose a sustainable solution. Key features include crafting upcycled PET furniture, showcasing Mithila artistry, and engaging the community in recycling campaigns. The expected outcomes encompass contributing to environmental impact, fostering innovation, and establishing a niche in the furniture market.

Alchemist : The Learning Kit

The students saw that younger kids didn’t have much hands-on learning, especially with stuff that can be used again. So, they had a cool idea. They made a kit for grade 4 and 5 students and named it “Alchemist.” Inside the kit, there are tools you can use over and over, a guide-sheet, and a worksheet. They even made special bags for everything

What’s even more awesome is that everything in the kit matches what kids are learning in their classes. They also added some fun activities to make learning even better. So, Alchemist is not just a kit; it’s a fun way for kids to learn by doing, and they can use it more than once!

Respire: 3D Printed Lighting and Home Decor

The students saw a problem in the Nepali Interior Decor market – not many options for custom-made decors that fit what people want. They had a great idea to fix this using their 3-D printing knowledge. So, they started making a bunch of cool custom design interior lights and even molds for candles that look like different shapes. They named their brand Respire. It’s like they found a solution to a problem and made something new and cool for people’s homes.

AI T-shirts and Tote Bag Prints

The students noticed that AI technology, usually used for random pictures on social media, could be more helpful, especially in designing T-shirts. Designing can take a long time, especially if you have to keep changing things. So, the students had a great idea. They created a place where they could use AI to make many different designs that customers want. Using AI for generating designs is much easier and quicker compared to the tedious editing times. After finalizing the designs, they saved them to print on tote bags, hoodies, T-shirts, and more. It’s like they found a faster and easier way to make awesome designs!

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the iLab serves as a transformative force, empowering students as creators, innovators, and adept problem solvers. With essential skills and mindsets, students are prepared to thrive in our ever-evolving world. Through a collaborative effort, the project cultivates a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and teamwork, envisioning students as valuable contributors to society and pioneers of positive change. Ongoing support and a commitment to continuous improvement underscore the project’s dedication to fostering creativity and collaboration, ensuring that students emerge not only as beneficiaries but as active contributors to a brighter future.