Hitting two birds with one stone is what Dhairya Dand thought of when he started ThinkerToys, and since March, he has been exhibiting eco-friendly, educational toys to inspire kids in developing nations.
The idea hit Dand after seeing e-waste like keyboards, mice, and screens just lying in landfills. The business is named after the coinage of thinking and tinkering, which are both involved in creating fun, educational toys from partially-useful e-waste for a production price of USD 5 per toy.
Innovative Products from E-Waste
At present, ThinkerToys already has four main products which, according to Dand, will remain open-source. These are:
1. Keyano: A keyboard-turned-piano through connecting each key to a specific note. This innovative toy not only teaches children about music but also about the inner workings of a keyboard, fostering both creativity and technical understanding.
2. Randomath: A math puzzle generator created using a small LED screen and a keyboard. This toy helps children improve their math skills in a fun and interactive way, making learning less of a chore and more of an engaging activity.
3. Storynory: An MP3 player-like collection of stories in one’s local language. This product aims to promote literacy and a love for reading among children by providing them with access to a variety of stories in their native language, which is crucial for cognitive and emotional development.
4. TV++: An ongoing project which, when finished, can be connected to a TV or CRT monitor and can be used to flash educational games, spellings, and photos. This product is designed to utilize old television sets, turning them into educational tools that can benefit entire communities.
Community and Collaboration
Dand is also opening to everyone openTOYS, a community of “e-waste activists, toy designers, and engineers.” This initiative aims to bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about sustainability and education. By fostering a collaborative environment, openTOYS hopes to inspire more innovative solutions to the e-waste problem while simultaneously providing educational benefits to children in need.
The open-source nature of ThinkerToys’ products means that anyone can access the designs and instructions to create their own versions of these toys. This not only democratizes access to educational tools but also encourages a culture of sharing and continuous improvement. By making these designs available to the public, ThinkerToys is empowering communities to take control of their educational resources and adapt them to their specific needs.
Examples of Impact
ThinkerToys has already made a significant impact in several developing nations. For instance, in rural India, schools have started using Keyano to introduce children to the basics of music and computer hardware. Teachers have reported increased engagement and enthusiasm among students, who are excited to learn through play.
In another example, a community center in Kenya has adopted Randomath to help children improve their math skills. The center has seen a noticeable improvement in the children’s math abilities, as well as their overall confidence in tackling mathematical problems.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, ThinkerToys plans to expand its range of products and reach even more communities. Dand envisions a future where e-waste is no longer seen as a problem but as a valuable resource that can be repurposed to benefit society. By continuing to innovate and collaborate with others, ThinkerToys aims to create a sustainable model that can be replicated around the world.
In conclusion, ThinkerToys is a shining example of how creativity and social responsibility can come together to address pressing global issues. By turning e-waste into educational toys, Dhairya Dand is not only helping to reduce environmental pollution but also providing valuable learning tools to children in developing nations. Through initiatives like openTOYS, ThinkerToys is fostering a global community of innovators who are committed to making a positive impact on the world.
via ThinkerToys
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