The B!G Idea has won its first international education award, marking a major milestone for Ireland’s creative thinking movement.
On Wednesday, 19th April, the Think Global Awards named The B!G Idea the winner of the Education & eLearning category. This international education award recognises innovation, measurable impact, and global relevance in learning.
Our 14-week creative thinking programme runs across Irish secondary schools and education centres. This year, it competed against innovative education programmes from Australia, Asia, Europe, the US and the UK. However, The B!G Idea emerged victorious.
As a result, this achievement goes far beyond national recognition. It positions Irish creative education firmly on the global stage.
“This is a massive win for us at The B!G Idea and a testament to the hard work of our small team, our incredible teachers, mentors and partners. Most importantly, it shows that the judges truly understood the impact this programme is having on young Irish learners,”
— Kim MacKenzie-Doyle, CEO & Founder
The Think Global Awards celebrate organisations that drive international success and forward-thinking innovation. In particular, the Think Global Forum supports initiatives that generate creative, strategic thinking around global challenges.
Therefore, winning this international education award confirms that creative thinking in Irish classrooms resonates worldwide.
“We teach our young learners that one B!G Idea can change the world. Now, we can celebrate that our programme has reached across the globe. We are humbled and grateful to receive this recognition,”
— Kim MacKenzie-Doyle
According to the World Economic Forum, creativity ranks as the top skill required by 2025. Consequently, education systems must move beyond rote learning and actively develop problem-solving and innovation skills.
The B!G Idea does exactly that.
Through its 14-week programme for Transition Year, Leaving Cert Applied and Youthreach learners, the initiative connects education directly with industry. Students collaborate with professional mentors, tackle real-world challenges, and build practical creative thinking skills.
Moreover, this empathetic approach encourages students to experiment, reflect, and grow. Instead of fearing failure, they embrace “flearning” — learning through experimentation.
Ultimately, the programme empowers young people to become changemakers, leaders and future innovators.
“Our students are global citizens. When we equip them with creative thinking skills, we give them the tools to shape their own future — and ours,”
— Kim MacKenzie-Doyle
