The LEGO Foundation

When neurodivergent young people lead, education transforms. The National Neurodiversity Leadership Summit in Denver, Colorado was designed differently. It was co-created with neurodivergent leaders from The ND Alliance community. Over several days, the summit offered a safe space to explore, practise, make mistakes, reflect, and try again — in direct contrast to systems that too often punish difference instead of embracing it. Through workshops rooted in learning through play, students built leadership skills, expressed creativity, and deepened their sense of belonging. Most importantly, their voices guided every step. The reflections captured here show why listening to neurodivergent youth is not optional, but essential to creating education and wellbeing that truly includes everyone. We support this work in partnership with The Neurodiversity Alliance (The ND Alliance) — a US network of school-based neurodiversity clubs and mentoring programmes. Through initiatives such as the Eye to Eye Mentoring program and Neurodiveristy Clubs, The ND Alliance is building a powerful, student-led movement that empowers young people who learn differently not only to belong, but also to lead and drive meaningful change. Together, we are amplifying neurodivergent voices and ensuring they play a central role in shaping more playful, inclusive, and equitable education systems.

Every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and belong. But for many children with disabilities, stigma and isolation make that harder. Vastina knows this struggle. Through our partner Right To Play’s Play To Grow programme, she discovered new ways to support her daughter who was born with a disability, and the strength that comes from a supportive community. When families are empowered and included, children with disabilities don’t get left behind — they get the chance to thrive and shine.

At #UNGA80 this week, we are acting for the youngest generation. Through the Act For Early Years campaign, we are joining Theirworld, UNICEF and many other partners to drive bold action and investments in children’s earliest years. The science is clear: more than 90% of brain development happens before age 5. These early years shape everything. Health, learning, confidence, equality. Investing today means unlocking the full potential of every child, everywhere. UNGA is an important moment to build momentum for the first-ever International Financing Summit on Early Childhood — a turning point for global leadership. The time is now. Together, we can ensure every child gets the best start in life. Justin van Fleet

In Ukraine, where thousands of schools have been damaged or destroyed and millions of children displaced, play continues to offer children a sense of learning, healing, and hope. Since 2010, the LEGO Foundation has partnered with the Ministry of Education in Ukraine to bring learning through play to kindergartens, schools, and teacher training institutions across the country. Our latest shipment of LEGO® Play Boxes is now on its way. It’s a small but powerful step toward ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Every child deserves the best start in life. The Thrive by Five Index 2024 is South Africa’s most comprehensive survey of preschool child development. It tracks the progress of four-year-olds nationwide – across early learning, social-emotional wellbeing, and physical growth. The Index provides vital insights into whether young children are receiving the support they need to thrive – and how South Africa is progressing towards universal access to quality early learning by 2030. Why does this matter? - The early years lay the foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. - Reliable data helps identify both strengths and gaps – and guides action where it’s needed most. - Behind every number is a child’s life – and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Thrive by Five Index 2024 was led by the Department of Basic Education and coordinated by DataDrive2030, with support from the FirstRand Foundation, This Day Foundation, Yellowwoods Ventures Investments (Pty) Limited and the LEGO Foundation. Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/d-eWGpJm

Final call: Enter the Good Start Challenge by 17th September. The Good Start Challenge; a global initiative seeking to advance innovative solutions that strengthen the wellbeing of caregivers, from pregnancy to the first years of parenthood. In partnership with Challenge Works (Nesta), Van Leer Foundation, FEMSA Foundation, and Fundação Maria Cecilia Souto Vidigal, we are calling for bold ideas that can improve the wellbeing of parents and caregivers of young children in underserved communities in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda, the Philippines and Indonesia. 22 finalists will each receive €50,000 and tailored development support, with the chance to win €200,000 in late 2026. Submit your application before the deadline here: https://lnkd.in/dwuSXxZK

When children engage in playful storytelling activities, they naturally enhance their language skills in a fun and organic way. Children will naturally be drawn to play unless constraints, such as expectations in school settings or traditional adult practices, limit them. Books are traditionally viewed as passive, non-play activities, but with just a few small adjustments, books can open up a world of imaginative play, helping children further improve their comprehension and storytelling skills. Learn more about how reading can be more playful here: https://lnkd.in/dbjzxH82

7,000 m² more room for play and learning in Billund. Today, the International School of Billund celebrated the opening of its fourth and largest expansion to date. With now 20,000 m², the school welcomes up to 750 students into a unique environment where curiosity, creativity and wellbeing are at the heart of learning. As our CEO, Sidsel Marie Kristensen, has emphasised: “This expansion is not just an investment in bricks and furniture – it is an investment in children’s future.” Congratulations to ISB on this important milestone. We look forward to continuing our shared journey to reimagine learning – in Denmark and around the world.

100 millioner kroner til at styrke kvaliteten i danske dagtilbud. Alle børn fortjener en god start på livet. Derfor uddeler vi 100 millioner kroner til kompetenceudvikling af pædagogiske medarbejdere og ledere i vuggestuer og børnehaver på tværs af 16 kommuner. Uddelingen bliver en del af programmet Alle børns dagtilbud – pædagogisk kvalitet i børnehøjde, som vi over de næste fire år gennemfører i samarbejde med KL, Professionshøjskolerne og Komponent – Kommunernes Udviklingscenter. Her får over 2.000 medarbejdere og 100 ledere mulighed for at udvikle deres praksis med leg som omdrejningspunkt. Målet er at skabe endnu bedre rammer for trivsel og udvikling for de mindste børn. Vi tror på, at stærke relationer og dygtige medarbejdere er nøglen til dagtilbud af høj kvalitet. Playful Learning DK, Professionshøjskolen Absalon, Professionshøjskolen UCN, VIA University College, UCL Erhvervsakademi og Professionshøjskole, UC SYD, Københavns Professionshøjskole og Danske Professionshøjskoler

For children living in humanitarian settings, play is a powerful act of resilience. It offers moments of joy, learning, and healing that are crucial for their mental health and social development. Our partner UNICEF asked children what play means to them, and their answers remind us why supporting play is critical for their mental and social wellbeing.