This month’s Kent Star is Toyin, who is the Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project, providing inspiring STEM activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools in Medway. These activities are centred around helping children to focus, enhancing creativity and developing critical thinking skills, all through a STEM lens. Hear from Empowering Educator Toyin:
“I’m Toyin Sanyaolu, The Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project and The Wonder Lab Academy. I’m a Business and Management student at the University of Kent, and a mum of two. Having struggled academically as a child, I am thrilled to be a KBS student, breaking down barriers and thriving despite being dyslexic. Being neurodivergent and a parent is challenging, but my passion for what I do gets me through.
What is The Wonder Lab Project and why is this important to you?
“I started The Wonder Lab Project as a university project during my foundation year. Discovering many problems in education, the cost of living, and the links between young people, either out on the streets causing havoc or being in the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). I decided to do something to help the situation by creating The Wonder Lab Project, which provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools.
The activities we create are centred around helping children focus, enhance creativity, critical thinking and begin to gain essential skills such as engineering, coding, and other sciences, for future employment. Many future jobs will depend on science and technology, so the world needs innovators, skilled workers, problem solvers, and sustainability.
We educate our students to think about their communities and the impact they will have with what they do, which is why the organisation started as a Community Interest Company. Not only do we provide activities that give children the opportunity to gain these essential skills but we teach them in a way that any child can learn simply by ‘doing’ and having fun. It helps them manage their emotions when they start to get frustrated and learn to persevere. When they finally complete their tasks, you can see the great sense of achievement and joy on their faces. Their competitiveness comes to light, but they also want to help each other out. That’s what we encourage at The Wonder Lab Project. A different way of learning. We help them see the opportunities ahead by teaming up with manufacturing companies that come and show them the opportunities available.
We encourage our students to be creative and think outside of the box. Since its success from the pilot in September 2024, I have started The Wonder Lab Academy, at the request of many parents in Medway. We have also provided activities for SEND schools in Medway and have increasing requests for secondary schools and tech colleges. The Wonder Lab Academy is a limited company that provides a STEM club for children aged 5-10 every week in Medway. This allows more children in the area access to our activities.
The Wonder Lab Project means everything to me. As a parent, I would like to see my children thrive with their friends. I relate to many parents that worry about their children’s safety, opportunities and affording activities that not only help them thrive but keep them in safe environments and away from negative influences. I want to see a better tomorrow and be a part of what creates that better tomorrow. I hope to be a positive role model to not just my children but every child. Even if they have a learning difference, I want to show them they can break their barriers too.”
Can you tell us about your ASPIRE Business Start-up Journey experience?
“I attended the ASPIRE workshops in hopes of gaining business support, and it didn’t disappoint. Through ASPIRE I was able to obtain a grant for my business, which has helped tremendously with purchasing equipment and has enabled me secure exhibition bookings.
The ASPIRE workshops were insightful and enjoyable. Artur was very supportive of my business start-up journey. The weekly pizzas after each workshop were great too, giving us all time to socialise and share our business ideas. It was brilliant being connected to successful entrepreneurs who mentored me, right up to the pitching finals. I’ve stayed connected with many of them. The entire process helped build my confidence to enter the pitching competition and pitch in the finals, coming in 2nd place. It helped me face my biggest fear, public speaking. And now, I feel ready to do more! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start a business.”
What advice would you give to other students?
“My advice to other students is don’t be afraid to follow your passion or share your ideas with those who can help you achieve them. Always know why you are doing what you are doing as it will get you through the difficult times and remind you of why you started it in the first place. Be purposeful. If you have something great that is needed, don’t give up, but be open to changes. It’s important to be able to adapt.”
What are your plans for the next year?
“My plans for next year are to grow the online presence of my business and provide activities in more schools and youth clubs across the county, extending into London. I would like to see a Wonder Lab Academy in every county and possibly host some larger Wonder Lab events.”
Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.
