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Lasse Leponiemi

Chairman, The HundrED Foundation
first.last@hundred.org

From Roots to Rise: A Journey to Future Readiness

place India

Empowering young minds to grow, lead, and thrive.

From Roots to Rise is an education model designed to bridge the gap between early learning and future readiness. It addresses the disconnect between foundational education and real-world skills by integrating values-based learning, creativity, leadership, and community engagement right from the start. Our unique approach nurtures not just academic excellence.

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated June 2025
Web presence

2024

Established

1

Countries
Teachers
Target group
Our long-term dream is to redefine the purpose of early education to move beyond rote learning and grades, and towards a more purposeful, child-centric, and future-ready ecosystem. Through “From Roots to Rise,” we hope to inspire a global shift where education nurtures compassionate thinkers, confident speakers, responsible citizens, and innovative doers from the very beginning.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

We created “From Roots to Rise” because we saw a gap between traditional early education and the skills children truly need to thrive in the future. While many systems focus on academics alone, we wanted to build a foundation rooted in curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and leadership skills that last a lifetime.

This innovation was born out of our belief that early learning should ignite purpose, not just performance. We wanted children regardless of their background to be nurtured in an environment where they grow not only in knowledge, but also in character and confidence. It’s about preparing learners not just for school, but for life.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

“From Roots to Rise” comes alive in classrooms filled with exploration, purpose, and joy. Children begin their journey in nurturing learning spaces where academics blend seamlessly with life skills. Our approach is hands-on and holistic students engage in theme-based learning, role play, storytelling, mindfulness, community outreach, and collaborative projects that build their creativity, empathy, and leadership.

Teachers act as facilitators and co-learners, guiding children through real-world challenges and encouraging them to think critically and act responsibly. Learners participate in student-led conferences, eco-projects, entrepreneurship corners, and SDG-linked tasks even in the early years. Every activity is carefully curated to connect learning with life and to help every child grow with confidence, voice, and purpose.

How has it been spreading?

“From Roots to Rise” began as a homegrown model within our school community, but its impact quickly caught attention beyond our classrooms. As parents, educators, and community leaders witnessed the transformation in our learners more confident, empathetic, and future-ready word spread organically.

We’ve shared our practices through educator workshops, parenting sessions, school visits, and local collaborations. Our initiatives like community outreach by students, experiential learning expos, and leadership camps have been widely appreciated and often replicated by other schools.

Now, through platforms like HundrED, conferences, and global education networks, we’re opening doors for others to adapt our model. It’s not just spreading as a curriculum it’s becoming a mindset shift in how early education is seen and delivered.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

To try “From Roots to Rise,” start by embracing the core philosophy: focus on the whole child not just academics, but values, voice, and real-world readiness. Begin small:
• Redesign your classroom spaces to be more nurturing and exploration-friendly.
• Introduce project-based learning linked to everyday life and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Give children roles as leaders, problem-solvers, and storytellers even in early years.
• Engage families in meaningful ways through sessions, showcases, and collaborative tasks.
• Use reflection circles, student-led initiatives, and community engagement to make learning purposeful.

We also offer implementation guides, sample modules, and mentoring to help schools or educators adapt the model in their own context. You’re not alone we’re building a network of educators committed to growing learners from roots to rise.