Why the ECD Fair in Abu Dhabi Was a Game-Changer for The Makers Society

Inspiring Growth Through Play and Learning!

This past week, The Makers Society had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Fair in Abu Dhabi, held at Umm Al Emarat Park from October 31 to November 2. The event, organized under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, brought together leaders in early childhood education, families, and advocates, all with a shared mission: to create enriching environments supporting children's growth and development.

A Natural Fit for The Makers Society’s Mission

From the moment I envisioned The Makers Society, I had a clear goal—to build a community centred around woodworking, creativity, and learning. At the time, I didn't realize how much this vision would resonate with others, especially regarding early childhood education.

Participating in the ECD Fair in Abu Dhabi felt like a perfect fit. After all, we’ve always believed that woodworking is more than a craft; it's a way to empower individuals, especially kids, with lifelong skills like focus, persistence, and critical thinking.

A Community-Based Approach to Learning

When I first moved to Dubai, I missed having a place to immerse myself in woodworking—a space that offered a break from daily life's fast-paced, high-stress environment.

That’s how The Makers Society was born. But as we grew, I quickly realized that the joy of working with wood could be shared with others, and teaching became an enriching part of the journey. Watching people, especially kids, learn to use their hands, develop new skills, and find confidence in their abilities has been a profoundly fulfilling experience.

That's why the ECD Fair was such a meaningful experience for us. It allowed us to connect with families, educators, and fellow organizations who share our passion for fostering young minds. We showcased our tools and classes, demonstrating how woodworking can be a powerful means of learning. But more importantly, we had the chance to share our belief that kids shouldn’t just learn "how" to complete a project—they should understand the "why" behind it.

The Sloyd Method: Building Skills Beyond Woodworking

At The Makers Society, we’ve adopted the Sloyd method, a Swedish philosophy that uses craft as a medium for education. Sloyd is about empowering kids through hands-on learning, teaching them to think critically and solve problems independently.

In a world where many activities are designed for instant results, we focus on the slow and steady process of making. Our goal is to cultivate skills that go beyond the workshop—skills that can be applied to life’s many challenges.

We brought this approach to the ECD Fair, emphasizing how woodworking can develop crucial soft skills like focus, precision, and self-confidence in kids. By breaking projects down into manageable steps and encouraging kids to take the lead, we help them experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from using their resources to solve problems.

It’s about giving them a toolbox of skills they can carry long after leaving our workshops.

Growing Together for a Brighter Future

The ECD Fair reminded us of the importance of community and collaboration in early childhood development. It’s an event where ideas and innovations are shared, and families and educators come together to support the next generation.

For The Makers Society, it reinforced our commitment to creating a space where kids and adults alike can grow, learn, and build something meaningful.

We left the fair feeling inspired and more dedicated than ever to our mission. If you know someone who shares our passion for nurturing creativity and lifelong learning, invite them to explore what we’re building here at The Makers Society.

As we continue to grow, we’re excited to bring even more meaningful learning opportunities to families across the UAE.

Together, we can make a difference—one project, one lesson, and one workshop at a time.