ThinkerBox’s “Change Makers” Model is an innovative and impactful initiative that epitomizes the company’s commitment to fostering a community of business professionals, tech enthusiasts, social innovators, and change-makers. This model is centered around making a significant difference in lower-income communities through a blend of technology, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.
The journey began with the Virtual Artisan Market (VAM), a pet project launched in 2020. VAM was initiated to create a platform for artisans from Burkina Faso and Eswatini, providing them with access to the lucrative US and European markets. This initiative not only opened up new avenues for these artisans to showcase and sell their unique products but also brought their rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
Expanding its reach, ThinkerBox has now integrated artisans from Myanmar and Zimbabwe into the VAM network. This expansion is more than just adding numbers; it’s about empowering these artisans by assisting them in selling their products internationally. The involvement of teams from Andrews University Enactus and various non-profit groups within these countries has been instrumental. These social innovators work closely with the artisans, aiding in product development while ensuring the artists’ freedom of expression. This collaboration results in products that are not only works of art but also viable in the market.
An extension of this model is the Social Entrepreneurship Kits offered by ThinkerBox. These kits are designed to engage students and educators in real-world business and social issues. When you purchase a kit, you receive comprehensive educational materials covering everything from marketing strategies to supply chain management, essential for starting and running a business.
Included in these kits are handmade crafts from the global artisan communities connected through VAM. These products are not only culturally significant but also serve as a practical tool for learning business principles. Students learn to price and sell these items in their local markets, understanding the nuances of market niches and value creation.
The profits generated from the sales of these products can be channeled to support local social causes, such as a local humane society or a food bank. This aspect of the model creates a dual impact: firstly, it provides artisans with a sustainable source of income and, secondly, it empowers students and educators to contribute to causes that are important to their communities.
ThinkerBox’s “Change Makers” Model is more than a business strategy; it’s a movement. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change, starting from empowering artisans in lower-income countries to inspiring students and educators to become socially conscious entrepreneurs. By participating in this model, you’re not just buying a product; you’re becoming part of a global community committed to making a difference in the world.
Located in Berrien Springs, Michigan has embraced an innovative approach to STEM education by integrating the ThinkerBox line of robots, particularly the Qoopers by Robobloq, into its curriculum with significant classroom support and curriculum design assistance from ThinkerBox and Andrews University professors. This collaboration has led to a tailored educational experience, where the programmable Qoopers robots serve as interactive tools for learning robotics, coding, and engineering concepts. Students engage in hands-on activities, programming the versatile Qoopers into various models, which promotes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
ThinkerBox
Andrews University
School of Business Administration
Chan Shun Hall
4185 E. Campus Circle Dr.
support@thinkerbox.org
(269) 815-6066