Competition Engages 20,000 Primary Students “Innovating for a Better Future”

London, UK – November 30, 2023. A nationwide innovation competition, with the participation of more than 20,000 primary students across 8 districts, is concluding with a final next week. The initiative called ROAR has encouraged students to prototype new innovations for a better future. 

The competition, designed by education company 8billionideas and funded by local Lions Clubs, aims to empower primary school children, nurturing their ability to envision and create positive change in the world. Since its inception in 2016, it has nurtured thousands of young innovators, fostering creative solutions aligned with critical topics like health, environment, and sustainability.

Igniting Imagination for Change

Now in its seventh edition, ROAR is aligned with the national curriculum and PSHE education, the initiative not only equips young minds with critical skills but also cultivates an ethos of innovation and opportunity.

Supported by Lions Clubs of the British Isles, a division of 'Lions Clubs International,' this year's ROAR edition has received notable attention, showcasing more than three hours of video pitches with groundbreaking ideas. 

This spotlight underscores the dedication and drive of young participants eager to make meaningful contributions to the community and world at large. Last year, for example, students developed inventive solutions addressing litter reduction, mental health enhancement, and promoting recycling initiatives.

Integrating Innovation into Education

The competition seamlessly integrates into school curriculums, offering schools, in partnership with local Lions Clubs, the flexibility to enrol and initiate programmes by September. This adaptability ensures widespread engagement and participation across various school schedules.

Guided in teams, children explore their creativity, crafting compelling ideas, intricate prototypes, and persuasive pitches for their concepts. Supported by 8billionideas, including a dedicated portal with resources for concept development and interactive teacher packs, students refine their visionary ideas.

‘ROAR 2023 underscores the transformative power of education, nurturing innovative thinking, and fostering meaningful collaborations between schools and local communities,’ shared David Harkin, CEO and Co-Founder of 8billionideas.

‘This year, ROAR 2023 has seen more schools and more children more engaged than ever before. The excitement and enthusiasm that it produces in children has been as strong as ever and teachers appreciate the enrichment to the education programme that ROAR provides,’ said David Skinner, Chair of the Lions ROAR Team.

The forthcoming December 6 event, set to commence via Zoom at 10:30 am, will be the culminating moment of this journey, celebrating the participation of students from 8 districts. It will honour district winners, recognising their contributions to shaping a brighter future.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Pontus Bergmark 

pontus [at] 8billionideas [dot] com 

About ROAR:

ROAR, a programme designed by 8billionideas and funded by local Lions Clubs, aims to empower primary school children, nurturing their ability to envision and effect positive change in the world. Since its inception in 2016, it has nurtured thousands of young innovators, fostering creative solutions aligned with critical topics like health, environment, and sustainability.

About 8billionideas:

8billionideas is an EdTech and services company on a mission to give every student the skills and belief to change the world. It has a proven track record of partnering with schools in more than 20 countries, equipping over 500,000 students with future-focused skills. By partnering with schools, the company delivers virtual or hybrid lessons around five core pillars: entrepreneurship, careers, life skills, wellbeing, as well as health and performance.

About Lions Clubs International:

Lions Clubs International is a global voluntary service organisation committed to serving communities and making a positive impact through various initiatives worldwide. The Lions Clubs of the British Isles have a longstanding history of supporting schools and education initiatives, including the promotion of PSHE education.