Many people worry that traditional education isn’t preparing kids for the real world. Alan Tang, co-founder of the Pembroke-based Collaboration Laboratory (CoLab), wants to change that. He points to a concerning statistic: 67% of people think the education system is inadequate. His goal? To create a better learning experience.
CoLab offers a unique platform that teaches essential life skills that schools often overlook. “We focus on creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving,” Tang explains. Parents describe CoLab as a mix of “Pokémon and Sherlock Holmes,” which speaks to its fun and engaging approach to learning.
However, convincing parents to embrace these new ideas hasn’t been easy. “Many still see soft skills as unimportant,” Tang admits. “We’ve taken them along this journey.” Despite this challenge, CoLab has garnered support from parents, helping the organization grow steadily and build trust.
Recently, Tang shared exciting news: “Schools have started reaching out to us.” This shows that CoLab’s focus on well-rounded education is gaining attention and momentum. Tang believes in creating a better educational narrative, one that prioritizes the child’s overall development rather than just grades.
CoLab’s commitment to impact over profit is evident in how they operate. Instead of seeking outside investments, Tang and his team have chosen to bootstrap their growth. “We’ve turned down significant offers,” he says, prioritizing a pure mission centered around social good. Last year, they provided nearly $40,000 in scholarships, ensuring every child has access to their programs.
Like any startup, CoLab has faced challenges. Tang sees these as part of the journey. “We’ve had our share of ups and downs,” he reflects. “But we adapt and learn from every experience.” He believes that setbacks can be valuable teaching moments, helping them refine their services.
This resilience is woven into CoLab’s mission, mirroring the skills they hope to teach. For those looking to start their own journey, Tang shares straightforward advice: “Create something that makes money, something you excel at, and something you care about.” He adds that innovation often means improving existing ideas rather than starting from scratch.
Running a startup can be emotionally draining. Tang acknowledges the emotional rollercoaster but finds strength in the positive feedback from families. “I read through the messages we receive from parents and students,” he says. This helps him remember the real impact of their work and motivates him to keep going.
As he reflects on CoLab’s journey, Tang emphasizes the importance of persistence and relationship-building. “Nothing comes easy; hard work is essential.” His dedication paid off in 2023 when CoLab won the Edufuturist Award for its innovative approach to education.
Looking to the future, Tang is excited about CoLab’s potential. With increasing interest from schools and strong support from parents, the organization is set for more growth. “We’re just getting started,” he says, full of enthusiasm for their mission. CoLab’s dedication to transforming education for curious, collaborative kids is clear. The journey continues, with the aim of equipping children for success in life.
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Entrepreneurs,Innovation,Education,UK,United Kingdom
