Great Ideas for Little Designers: New Champions on the Way
In Portugal, an exciting project is taking shape, aiming to foster creativity and mold future little designers through SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids. Leading the charge is João Catarino, a Mechanical Engineering graduate whose journey from traditional hand drawing to 3D design has been nothing short of inspiring.
João’s passion for SOLIDWORKS began in 2010, when he took his first SOLIDWORKS course, and he has never looked back since. He dedicated himself to certifications and, in 2023, achieved the highest exponent of this long mountain and obtained the SOLIDWORKS Expert, Certified Educator (TECE) certification and is currently the only champion in Portugal since 16.10.2020 (SW Champion).
However, his journey took an unexpected turn at the end of 2023 when he embraced a new challenge: teaching SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids to children, sparked by his daughter ’MJ’s curiosity.
The project’s premise is elegantly simple: nurture creativity among children by introducing them to the fascinating world of 3D design. Inspired by his daughter’s enthusiasm, João witnessed a transformation as MJ delved into the software, creating her own imaginative pieces every weekend.
The ripple effect was undeniable, with João’s friends and colleagues expressing awe at her creations during free IT classes. Four of his colleagues have now joined in, dedicating time every Wednesday to SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids as part of their school’s extracurricular activities.
The inclusion of 3D printing further expanded the horizons of this venture. Armed with SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids, MJ designs and brings her creations to life: a custom key ring for her grandfather or a phone stand. The possibilities seem endless as imagination meets technology.
The project is currently in the testing and dissemination phase with a select group of children. Official implementation is planned in two schools in the western region, with activities set to kick off during the Easter holidays of 2024. Targeting youth aged 10 to 14, the initiative aims to captivate these young minds, encouraging them to trade online games for the joy of building 3D figures.
João, the driving force behind the project, finds himself captivated by the endless possibilities of the software. Temporary abandonment of sheet metal structures and jewellery projects has given way to weekends filled with creating 3D fishes and UFOs alongside his daughter. Their creations, often inspired by the nearby sea, emphasize the imaginative marine world they bring to life.
As the project unfolds, it’s not just MJ who explores newfound creativity. Her 6-year-old brother, JP, is also showing interest, leaving open the exciting possibility of another champion in the making.
The journey is filled with countless creations, fierce battles over the most unique fish, and the anticipation of what the future holds for these budding designers. With activities set to commence, the project is poised to inspire a generation of young champions, turning their dreams into tangible 3D realities.
In conclusion, the story of João Catarino’s venture into teaching SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and technology. As the project gears up for official implementation, we eagerly anticipate its impact on young minds, sparking a shift from virtual gaming to the joy of crafting 3D wonders. The journey has just begun, and a new champion may be in the making with every creation. Here’s to the exciting future of innovation, imagination, and endless possibilities in the world of SOLIDWORKS Apps for Kids!
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