Redesigning Education through Curiosity
Louis, a social entrepreneur, founded two education-focused organisations: Praxium and Crater. By applying his training and expertise in experience design and game design, his life’s work is re-inventing education for the future, an approach that keeps students’ interest as the core focus. His work has impacted over 18,000 youth since 2015 as his organisations have partnered with public schools, government institutions, and other corporate organisations.
Quote
“People with ADHD shouldn’t be seen as fundamentally different people. They just have a different set of strengths and weaknesses, just like anyone else.”
First Awareness of ADHD
I was only aware from speaking to a counsellor in my adulthood that some challenges I faced may be a result of having ADHD. Instead of sticking to a strict set of tasks, this shows up as a deep curiosity and attraction to a variety of interests. I find myself confident in creativity, able to draw connections between seemingly disparate things.
Key Challenges and Turning Points
The biggest challenge I face is maintaining focus on a long and mundane set of activities and tasks at work. I’ve learnt to delegate and work with team members more closely, applying my strengths more actively.
Where are you in your life today?
I run Praxium, which helps youths discover their interests and passions through engaging, hands-on experiences. I believe that everyone’s unique interests are valuable – my own ADHD tendencies inspired this belief.
At Praxium, I design experiential educational programmes and workshops to help youths discover their passion and identify potential careers, as well as learn new skills and experiences. This involves liaising with working professionals in vastly different industries, then distilling their work experiences into activities and simulations that are accessible and engaging to the layperson. This represents my life’s work, of reinventing education for the future, an approach to education that, at the core, keeps students interested in learning.
I also co-founded Crater, a venture dedicated to shaping the future at the intersection of education and social impact. We aim to bring real-world contexts into the classroom to not only serve as a workspace, but also as activation points for social change.
I’ve always been passionate about my own interests, but school offered few opportunities to explore them. I believe every child has unique and diverse interests, which often go unsupported due to their sheer variety. With Praxium and Crater’s work, we centre our curriculum and learning on student’s interests. We embrace diverse viewpoints and seek out students with contrarian or unusual perspectives.
Strategies for Peak Performance
Using physical to-do lists each day has been helpful for me. I prioritise a few ‘Must Do’s,’ jot down ideas, and seek input from loved ones to stay focused.
ADHD has helped me be very drawn to my curiosities and interests. Although classes often felt unengaging and irrelevant, I was motivated in my youth to explore my own interests, from graphic design to programming and other tech-related fields. Even outside school, these lessons have greatly benefited me in everyday life.
Pursuing self-directed learning and taking ownership over my learning is a very critical and valuable part of my life now.
Proudest Achievement
I’m proudest of being able to run and sustain my business, while also offering unique and differentiated products and services. My creativity and ability to see connections are very helpful to achieve that.
Advice for Your Younger Self
Rely more on friends, colleagues, and team members. Don’t feel guilty for not being able to do everything by yourself!
Your Wish for the World to See People with ADHD
People with ADHD shouldn’t be seen as fundamentally different people. They just have a different set of strengths and weaknesses, just like anyone else.
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