The Little Engineer

Rana Shmaitelly Itani, instructor in the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the American University of Beirut, teaching in the Mechanical and Engineering Management Department, and a mother of three kids decided to launch the Little Engineer venture in Beirut, with the major aim to protect her 3 kids and other kids, the future generation from being dramatically exposed to the TV, Internet , Electronic games ( PSP, Nintendo, Wii etc).

The Little Engineer concept was conceived March 2009, and was tested in July 2009 by launching a summer activity, a six week programs. Kids enrolling in one of their programs were visiting them once per week, for 3 hours each time for six weeks. They were exposed to two programs: Robotic and The Kids and Teens Go Green (energy Lab).

It is truly their pleasure to enhance the child’s awareness of new technologies and encourage the creative growth in exploring the various possibilities offered by the engineering field. Today, The Little Engineer provides after-school activities that supplement the traditional learning environment. It offers an open space where children can have fun while building skills like creativity and problem solving skills that are not necessarily addressed in the classroom.

The Little Engineer guarantees a friendly atmosphere with qualified staff catering to small groups of children who work and play together at their own pace. Not to forget that The Little Engineer is hosting groups of students from schools , in 3 hours morning sessions, to introduce them to the world of robotic and renewable energy and sustainable environment through tailored hands on learning activities.

They believe that this approach to learning helps children to be better qualified to meet the challenges of the future society, a future where innovation, originality, and the ability to work with others will be key competitive parameters.