As a parent, you want the best for your children. You dream of them growing into happy, successful, and well-adjusted adults, equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. I'm no different. With two daughters, I found myself thinking whether the traditional educational system would truly prepare them for the future. It was these reflections, coupled with a deep desire to provide a more holistic and relevant learning experience, that ultimately led me to start Launch Hub Learning.

My journey began with a growing conviction that the traditional educational system, while having many merits, simply isn't quick enough to adapt to the accelerating pace of change in our world. And I say this with over 15 years of experience teaching various ages, from 4-year-olds to university students. New technologies emerge daily, and the knowledge required for future success is constantly evolving. Factual knowledge is rapidly becoming less of value: with advancement of AI one can quickly find and absorb wast amounts of information. What is going to help our children to be happy and successful is not factual knowledge but rather soft skills.

I observed a significant gap in the development of crucial life skills, such as:

• Effective communication and presentation skills: The ability to articulate ideas and inspire others is paramount in any field.

• Innovation and problem-solving: How to ideate, hypothesize, prototype, test, and iterate are fundamental to driving progress.

• Teamwork and collaboration: The modern world is interconnected, and working effectively with others is non-negotiable.

• A solid understanding of STEM for all students: Regardless of their chosen path, a foundational grasp of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is increasingly vital.

• Entrepreneurship and financial literacy: Equipping children with the tools to understand the economy and manage their resources is essential for independence.

• Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing one's own emotions, and empathizing with others, are cornerstones of healthy relationships and personal well-being.

• Civic intelligence and media literacy: In an increasingly polarized world, the ability to critically consume information and engage constructively in society is more important than ever.

• Nutrition knowledge: Understanding how to fuel their bodies for optimal health and well-being.

I also believe that children need more opportunities to simply play, experiment, and create in a safe and supportive environment. Learning isn't just about rote memorization; it's about curiosity, exploration, and the joy of discovery. Furthermore, every child is unique, with their own pace of learning. The rigid, one-size-fits-all approach of traditional schooling often fails to cater to these individual needs, potentially stifling a child's natural curiosity or leaving them feeling frustrated.

My vision for Launch Hub Learning is deeply rooted in these observations. We aim to create an environment where these vital skills are not just an add-on, but an integral part of every subject we teach. Our courses actively foster critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and effective communication.

The Skills for a Successful and Happy Life

Numerous studies highlight the importance of the very skills I listed above for success and happiness. For instance, research from the World Economic Forum consistently identifies skills like critical thinking, creativity, complex problem-solving, and emotional intelligence as crucial for the future workforce. Similarly, studies on well-being emphasize the importance of social connections, purpose, and a sense of mastery—all outcomes that a holistic education focused on these skills can foster.

At Launch Hub Learning, we are building a school that prioritizes active learning, personalized progression, and the development of well-rounded individuals. We believe that by nurturing these essential skills, we can empower our children to not only excel academically but also to lead fulfilling, impactful, and joyful lives. This is my commitment to my daughters, and to every child who walks through our doors.