Egyptian and Palestinian women and children are being given a chance to arm themselves with skills to thrive within their communities. The holistic approach, by Creativity Lab, includes skills related to creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. The aim is to focus on issues around psycho-social well-being, youth employment, climate change, quality of education and digital transformation.
The lab was founded in 2022 by a group of Egyptian and Palestinian experts with experience in creativity, social innovation and entrepreneurship. Their fields of expertise include specialisations such as education, development, environment, artificial intelligence, theatre and drama, mental health and agriculture.
At the core is the desire to assist young people and women to grow their innate creativity to identify and anticipate diverse societal needs and think entrepreneurially in their chosen fields. The organisation bases its programmes on six pillars – creativity, social entrepreneurship, social innovation, empowerment and advocacy, using a human-centred design (HCD) approach to generate solutions.
Promoting the SDGs through training programmes
Creativity Lab is certified by global platforms that work to achieve and promote the Sustainable Development Goals. The company’s mission and vision align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations (UN): Leave No-One Behind.
Says General Supervisor of Creativity Labs, Egyot, Mohamed Abdelhay: “We develop knowledge, not for its own sake but for practical application. We connect, inspire, train, and mentor young change agents and innovators to become global problem solvers guided by the SDGs of the UN.”
In addition, Creativity Lab also provides corporate training and consulting services. The methodology used combines experiential learning, group facilitation and arts-based programmes. Another focus area is gender equality.
“When boys and girls excel in things like technology use, economic resilience, and climate change awareness, there is a demonstrable shift in gender relations,” said Mohamed. He added: “ A large part of this methodology is to help students to innovate products that benefit the entire community and raise awareness about climate change.”
Creativity Lab says the product innovation has, particularly, found favour with young people who want to help with the development of Palestine.
Social entrepreneurs are known for finding solutions for society’s problems. What is the problem that you are addressing and what is your solution?
Psycho social well being, youth employment, climate change, quality of education and digital transformation
What do you see as the benefit of your Catalyst 2030 membership?
The exchange of knowledge and experience through networking.
Are you collaborating with any other Catalyst 2030 members?
Many individuals.
Which organisations (if any) in your country, city, town or region do you work with?
The ِEgyptian Ministry of Education, The Palestinian Ministry of Education, local Egyptian and Palestinian community-based organisations and international organisations.
Creativity Labs on Social Media
- https://www.facebook.com/Creativitylab.Egypt
- https://twitter.com/CreativityLabf1
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/creativity-lab-Palestine
- https://www.instagram.com/creativity_lab_mena/
Creativity Labs Website
https://catalyst2030.net/creativity-lab-innovation-for-thriving-communities/