Have you ever heard of a company that helps kids learn while playing? Meet Sara Berkai, the founder of Ambessa Play, a social enterprise that creates fun, hands-on learning kits for kids. Not only is Ambessa Play fun, but for every kit someone buys, Ambessa Play donates one to a child in need!
From Sudan to Success
Sara was born in Sudan, but her family moved to London when she was young to flee from war in Eritrea.
When she was at school, Sara was mainly interested in science and technology subjects so she went on to study Information Management for Business at University College London (UCL). After this, Sara continued her education by pursuing a Master’s in Child Development at Oxford University, researching how kids learn science.
The Birth of Ambessa Play
In 2019, Sara ran STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) workshops for kids in Eritrea and Ethiopia. The kids loved it but wanted something they could keep learning with after the sessions. That’s when Ambessa Play was born!
Her company launched in 2020, and now it’s a huge success. The kits teach kids how to build tools like DIY flashlights while also helping them understand science in an accessible way. By 2023, they had sold over 5,000 kits and were on track to make over $1 million!
Awards and Recognition
Sara’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. She made it onto Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list for social impact in 2024. She’s also won Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Award and works with the United Nations to support tech education. Sara proves that learning can be fun, helping others matters, and big ideas can change the world. Through Ambessa Play, she’s giving kids everywhere the chance to learn, create, and dream big!
