This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) conference — an inspiring event that brought together educators, parents, and community builders with a shared commitment to supporting students across Ontario.
As the founder of Grow Build Learn, I was there to listen, learn, and connect — and what I heard confirmed something we’ve believed from the beginning: parents are essential partners in creating resilient, hands-on, future-ready learning environments.
Conversations That Matter
Throughout the day, I spoke with dozens of parents, educators, and school leaders who shared a common vision — one where children are not only equipped with academic knowledge, but also real-world skills, confidence, and a deep connection to their environment and community.
There was a strong interest in:
- STEM learning that goes beyond screens
- Mental health supports that promote calm, creativity, and focus
- Hands-on projects that foster family connection, curiosity, and resilience
Grow Build Learn’s mission — to make growing, building, and learning accessible to every household and classroom — fits right into this vision.
Introducing GBL to the OAPCE Community
I shared previews of our:
- GBL Grow Kit Pro – our easy-to-use, modular indoor gardening system
- Mars Farmer Adventures – a fun, story-based STEM learning series for elementary students
- Growbie AI Assistant – a chatbot companion that helps kids (and parents) troubleshoot and learn along the way
The response was enthusiastic. Many parents and educators expressed interest in using these tools at home, in after-school clubs, and even in parish programs.
Why This Matters
In a time when youth face rising levels of stress, screen time, and disconnection, tools that bring learning back to the hands — and into the family — are more vital than ever. Hydroponics, storytelling, and DIY building aren’t just science projects. They’re bridges between generations, sparks for critical thinking, and pathways to greater well-being.
Looking Ahead
We’re now exploring partnerships with Catholic school boards and parent councils who want to bring Grow Build Learn into their communities.
If you were at the OAPCE conference and want to continue the conversation — or if you’re a parent looking to get involved — we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us here →
Learn more about our pilot programs →
Together, we can help the next generation grow — in every sense of the word.
