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In Conversation with… Eng. Ahmed Al Shawy, CEO of Edu Fun

We had had a great conversation with Dr. Ahmed about what Edu Fun is all about! He shares his expert advice to schools looking to invest in furniture for the growing needs of the students... Read on!

Please tell more about your company for our readers who might not be aware…

The story of Edu fun goes back as far as 50 years. The first generation of our family took decision to start establishing and developing schools in the beginning of the 1970s. They wanted quality education for the children of our region. Running several school سcompasses for decades, the family found a high demand of local companies that provides high quality educational supplies and furniture for the local market. Since its establishment in 1988, Edu fun has grown form a small local workshop, into an international player with subsidiaries around the world.

The main goal is still the same:
To provide the highest quality educational material and supplies for our children
We think they deserve it….

Are there any new projects in the pipeline for Edu fun that you are particularly excited about?

As you may know Edu fun brand is related to Early Learning Educational material and furniture. With the growing demand of Educational Furniture for middle and high school age groups, Edu fun is going to introduce a new brand for this age group. The brand is the result of collaboration of EDUFUN with an Australian company and Hong Kong. Since GESS is becoming the biggest event in the education sector, we will be taking the opportunity to launch it in GESS 2018 to introduce new brand with full range.

I have seen some of the toys and educational games for children that you offer first hand at your showroom. You had quite an interesting collection from puppet theatres to school furniture and indoor/outdoor play areas! How does the learning environment impact students? What advice can you give schools and parents who are looking to invest in new products?

There is a quote by famous Italian teacher and psychologist Loris Malaguzzi that says environment is The Third Teacher. He says that children develop through interaction, first with Adults in their lives (teachers and parents) secondly with their peers, and ultimately with the environment surround them. This concept is elaborated in an excellent book titled The Third Teacher. Many current studies are done on this theory. I believe some speakers are involved in these researches in coming GESS 2018.

My advice to Schools and parents is to value the learning environment similar weight to other pillars of the learning process. Because everything a child sees, touches or feels could be a learning experience thus it raises questions in his mind. So whether it is outdoor or indoor, books or games they all should be chosen carefully.

What is your secret of being innovative?

Our R&D team put so much time in product development. The team consists of specialists who study child growth process and what is required in the their age by environment, culture and society then these educational specialists, engineers, designers to make sure we have created the best quality product which is suitable for the child. It is a complete process to make sure we give our best to a child learning environment. This includes flooring, furniture, resources, interactive Board, Safety products, Acoustic Panels, play equipment’s, lighting….. etc. 

Where do you see the developments in schools and learning spaces being in the next few years?

Schools are developing, but learning spaces is moving very slow, Our recommendation is that the development strategy and improvement of the learning environment (which includes the indoor and outdoor learning space and furniture), should go parallel to development of the curriculum, teachers, books and learning resources

How can schools manage their furniture better? How often must they upgrade?

As explained earlier Right furniture that suits child age, growth, learning, adaptability, concentration and less distraction. If right planning and budgeting is studied well on that occasion schools can have best quality furniture and save lot of cost, and the furniture can be used for 5-8 years. Whereas lack of planning and budgeting some schools end up buying lower quality and whatever is available in the market at high cost.  

Is there anything you would like to add?

I grew up seeing my family doing this business and I have been observing all that growth throughout years. By the time I was grown up I had so much passion in this profession that I studied architect engineering with my specialization in school design wanted to continue the mission and vision I received from my family who started it many years ago.
And last but not least I believe, it is 20 years of span from early age till one we grow up and finishes university, so that’s the time for everyone to get best environment to bring up doctors, engineers, leaders etc. This is what we can give to our next generation to innovate the best educational environment to help us to grow.