In a rapidly changing educational landscape, Merrygrowround (MGR) and iNNOVGoals (iN) are pioneering a human-centric approach that places the learner’s needs and growth at the forefront. By combining innovative methodologies and sustainable practices, the two founders strive to empower individuals and communities to embrace learning as a pathway to meaningful change.
Read the full article to explore how their efforts are shaping a brighter future for education and communities alike.
Merrygrowround believes in a personal, holistic, responsive and rigorous education that is driven by passion and curiosity inherent in each soul.
Can you briefly introduce your company? How does your approach put the learner’s individual needs and growth at the heart of education?
MGR: I started my company as a Montessori classroom for 6-12 year-olds on weekends at a tutorial centre. The most significant impact witnessed, however, has come from the traditional 5-days-a-week homework class which I personally teach.
Children thrive in a regular, safe, and supportive space where their needs are respected, and their curiosities are encouraged by role models and peers. The environment is the most important element of pedagogy.
iN: Our company is all about sustainable development education, bringing the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into fun and interactive learning experiences. We go directly into schools, using curated courses and games to help students understand these important concepts. We also partner with various companies to educate their employees on sustainability topics.
Instead of sticking to traditional methods like PowerPoint presentations, we prefer experiential learning through games and hands-on activities. This way, we encourage real change and help deepen their understanding. We believe education shouldn’t be a passive experience; it should inspire active participation and personal growth.
By customising our educational experiences to fit each learner’s unique needs, we create an environment where a shift of mindsets is encouraged, empowering learners to take charge of their own education and make sustainability a part of their everyday lives.
What is your mission or core value that drives your work in human-centric education?
MGR: To allow every child to become the best that they can be, which is not your stereotypical child. And recognising children in their essence are curious, focused, athletic, have sharp senses, and are incredibly driven to find justice.
iN: Our mission is to promote sustainable development education and make it widely accessible, rather than just a one-off event. I’m passionate about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and that passion drives me to find ways to share this knowledge with more people.
iNNOVGoals is the official Education Partner of Mini Greeny Heroes (MGH). To promote sustainability education for all ages, together they created a variety of interactive activities such as an engaging and fun MGH card game, and special workshops for both schools and companies.
What unique methods or philosophies do you use to engage and empower learners differently from traditional education?
MGR: As a Montessori-trained guide, I pride on my ability to teach any subject and encourage all kinds of explorations on the fly. I owe this to my knowledge of key concepts in each subject, a thorough understanding of developmental psychology, as well as the craft of conversing with children. They are engaged, interested, and inspired when we speak.
iN: We emphasise experiential learning, allowing students to explore the concepts of sustainable development through interactive activities and hands-on experiences. Many people see the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental governance (ESG) as distant or unattainable topics. Therefore, we help them connect these concepts to their own lives, showing that small changes can lead to significant impacts. We focus on local contexts so participants can see the direct link between sustainability and their daily lives in Hong Kong, helping them realise that these ideas can be put into practice in concrete ways.
Founder of Merrygrowround, Ann Kay, believes that education is not just about what we teach but how we connect learners to the world around them.
Can you share a memorable story where your educational approach transformed a learner’s or community’s life?
MGR: My learners are centred, focused and motivated when they’re in my classroom. Once out the door, they revert to their old selves – tantrums, power struggles with parents, etc. This is evidence that the environment is the trump. For my impact to be lasting, founding a school is the best way. I want families to be able to choose a better way of living and raise fulfilled children in the process.
iN: During my first overseas training, I had the opportunity to travel to Manila to teach a SDG game at an international school. This experience left a lasting impression on me, as it highlighted the potential of the students and the importance of teamwork.
At the beginning of the activity, the students discussed in groups, but they struggled to cooperate effectively when faced with challenges, leading to less-than-ideal results. However, as the activity progressed, they began to reflect and adjust their strategies. By the end, they gathered around a table and created their own mini United Nations, which was a surprising breakthrough for me.
These junior high school students demonstrated impressive teamwork skills, managing to fully express their ideas and achieve a successful outcome without our guidance.
An SDG game at an international school in Manila
How has Dream Impact supported your work, and what kind of partnerships are you looking for to grow your impact?
MGR: Dream Impact has brought me out of my comfort zone of working with children, connecting me with modern skills and high-level thinking. To achieve my ambitious goal of founding a subsidised, local, through-train Montessori school, I need to establish a strong system and collaborate with adults as well. I am seeking partners who recognise the long-term value of such a school for the community, particularly influential figures from charity funds, school sponsorship bodies, and the social innovation movement. This is an investment that will transform the future of Hong Kong.
iN: Dream Impact has been incredibly supportive of my work. I actually knew about this platform for a while, but it wasn’t until after the COVID-19 pandemic that I decided to get involved. This community has allowed me to introduce my work to various companies and find potential partners.
I’m looking for partners who are involved in sustainable development education, especially those who are passionate about making a social impact. Together, we can create greater change and promote the principles of sustainability within our communities.
INNOVGoals Founder & Managing Director Carol Yeung and Dream Impact Co-Founder Dorothy Lam were interviewed by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to speak about sustainability education, social innovation and ESG trends.
About Dream Impact
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Dream Impact is Hong Kong’s leading network of social enterprises and impact ventures. We support changemakers from different sectors through transformative experiences and community building initiatives that lead to more sustainable business models.
We envision a world where nurturing relationships with ourselves, each other, and the environment will create a harmonious, sustainable future. Through our network membership, coworking spaces, and event venues, we foster a close-knit, supportive community of social entrepreneurs and changemakers. This allows our partners to collaborate, connect, and upskill together.
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