In today’s fast-changing world, creativity and continuous learning are among the most important skills children can develop. While parents and schools play a key role in fostering these qualities, businesses also have a vital role in shaping young minds. Through their resources, influence and innovative initiatives, companies can create environments that stimulate children’s imagination, encourage exploration and foster future-ready problem-solving skills. Subhodeep Das, Chairman and Founder (Group CEO) of HYLIFE GROUP, in collaboration with the Hmong ethnic group for Children’s Day, believes that creativity is more evident when adults focus on children’s cognitive processes rather than their outcomes.
Supporting educational programs
Businesses can actively promote creativity and learning by partnering with educational institutions to create programs that go beyond traditional classroom teaching. Children can be engaged in experiential learning by sponsoring STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workshops, coding bootcamps, art competitions, design thinking sessions, etc. These initiatives give children practical experience of real-world problems and promote out-of-the-box thinking.
Providing resources and infrastructure
Many schools, especially in underprivileged areas, lack adequate resources for creative education. Companies can fill this gap by providing access to technology, art materials, books, and digital learning platforms. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs can fund libraries, makerspaces, or community learning centres equipped with tools for both artistic and scientific exploration.
Promoting entrepreneurship
In an age where innovation drives success, companies can help foster an entrepreneurial spirit in children from an early age. This can be achieved through programs that teach problem-solving skills, leadership, and financial literacy. Many organisations have implemented “young innovators” and “junior CEO” initiatives, which allow children to generate business ideas, develop prototypes, and present them, mimicking the startup ecosystem.
Promoting arts and culture
Companies can promote creativity by investing in arts, music, theatre, and cultural programs for children. Sponsoring art exhibitions, music workshops, and cultural exchange programs helps children express themselves and understand diverse perspectives, in addition to education.
Creative learning with technology
Digital devices have changed the way children learn and create. Companies can develop or fund educational apps, gamified learning platforms, and virtual reality experiences that make learning interactive and fun. For example, gamified science lessons and virtual museum tours can spark children’s curiosity and encourage independent exploration.
Inspiration through mentorship
Experts from various industries can guide and inspire children through talks, workshops, and interactive sessions. By meeting a variety of people, including designers, engineers, writers, and entrepreneurs, children can see how creativity can translate into real-world jobs. This not only broadens children’s horizons but also motivates them to pursue their passion.
Building partnerships with the community
Companies can collaborate with NGOs, schools, and local organisations to organise creativity festivals, innovation fairs, science exhibitions, etc. These platforms provide opportunities for children to showcase their work, receive feedback, and collaborate with their peers, thereby promoting teamwork and the exchange of ideas.
Conclusion
By investing in fostering children’s creativity and learning, companies contribute to developing an innovative, adaptable, and curious workforce for the future. Such efforts reflect a commitment not just to profitability, but also to social progress. By funding programs, providing resources, leveraging technology and motivating young minds, companies can make a lasting impact not just on individual children but also on the communities and economies they will serve in the future.
Shubhodeep Prasanta Das, of HYLIFE GROUP collaboration with the Hmong ethnic group for Children’s Day, explains that creativity is more than just a skill; it is the foundation for solving future problems. Companies have the power to empower today’s children to imagine, invent and inspire others.
