Children’s learning expert and KidZania’s global director of education Dr. Ger Graus OBE shared his insights on filling kids’ learning gaps in a forum dubbed “Raising the Next Generation: The Role We Play” held at KidZania Manila in Bonifacio Global City.
This pioneering talk aimed to inspire educators, parents, and industry players, to bank on their huge roles in gearing up today’s kids to become empowered and successful global citizens of the future.
“Parents, community, and industry partners all have roles to play in the education (not just schooling) of children and growing them 21st century ready,” he shared.
Dr. Ger believes that “children can only aspire to what they know exists.” He stressed the need to allow children “to write their own narrative of the possible,” and this can be done by leading them to opportunities for exploration, curiosity, research, and fun.
An Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to children, Dr. Ger started in KidZania London in 2014, where he has been responsible for developing UK-wide education strategies to encourage and innovate learning opportunities for kids.
Prior to his role in KidZania, Dr. Ger was the founding chief executive of The Children’s University. Under his watch, the university became a multiple-award winning international charity providing kids with exciting learning opportunities outside school hours. The Children’s University’s global reach now extends as far as Australia, China, Malaysia, and Singapore.
KidZania Manila led its first educators’ assembly as part of its commitment to contribute to Filipino children’s development.The play city provides over a hundred role-playing opportunities where kids learn the value of hard work and develop valuable skills in a fun and safe environment.
Aside from Dr. Ger, the summit also featured Rex Lor, educator and social innovator at the Hub of Innovation for Inclusion, De La Salle – College of St. Benilde, who tackled empowerment through creativity and innovation by way of leading kids from being just content absorbers to becoming creators themselves.
The CEO and founder of Edukasyon.PH, Henry Motte-Muñoz, also shared tips in making the young generation future-ready by transforming them from being passive listeners to active decision makers through immersive role play and realistic career previews.
The forum also included Gawad Kalinga’s executive director Jose Luis Oquiñena who talked about igniting passion and purpose of young leaders by building hope, especially among unfortunate children, and fostering a more caring next generation.
Sabrina Ongkiko, 2016 Ten Outstanding Women of the Nation awardee and Culiat Elementary School faculty member, inspired the audience to instill love for country by embodying patriotism and telling the right stories to kids that will help shape their future.
ANC’s anchor-managing editor and “The Boss” host Cathy Yang facilitated the panel discussion among the guest speakers.
KidZania Manila is located at Park Triangle, Bonifacio Global City.Check out manila.kidzania.com or follow the play city’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) @kidzaniamanila for more details.