Cardboard : the start of something wonderful

Back in 2018 I found a story about a boy called Caine who inspired me with his innovation using only cardboard. He was the very definition of invention and design thinking. In Caine's own words he struggled in school, he was not a "good learner" but he knew he loved art and making things and when he was 9 he spent the summer in his father's auto parts store. He loved arcade games and started to make his own arcade from the cardboard boxes in the back of the store. He was discovered by a client one day and it changed both of their lives and led to a global movement of making and invention.

Nirvan, who discovered Caine made a movie that went viral. He set up a scholarship fund for Caine which has raised over $240,000 and the pair have travelled the globe giving talks and inspiring others. The video led to the creation of the Global Cardboard Challenge that happens every year around the world. All Caine wanted was people to come and use his arcade and since the movie, tens of thousands of people from around the globe have visited his arcade, still in the front of his father's auto parts store.

Nirvan went on to start imagination.org, to foster imagination in kids. His company has engaged over 750,000 kids in projects around the Great Cardboard Challenge. The website is an great place for educators, parents and kids who want to foster creativity and entrepreneurship.

This year's cardboard challenge is on 1st October, learn more and get involved by clicking here. There are schools and organisations registered to take part already, why not add your group to the list. It is a wonderful fundraising idea that is guaranteed to get lots of participation. The power of learning through play and making is extraordinary that could lead to something amazing.