Introducing the Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle: Taking imagination and innovation on the road

Rise & Shine Kindergarten & Orbit, Centre of Imagination is proud to announce the launch of the Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle, a groundbreaking extension of Orbit, Centre of Imagination, the industry-first STEM hub redefining early childhood education.

The Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle brings the wonder of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics directly to children across Rise & Shine Kindergarten centres, schools, and community events. Designed to ignite curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, the Shuttle transforms everyday spaces into dynamic, hands-on learning labs.

Fully equipped with immersive and interactive learning tools, the Orbit Shuttle includes a state-of-the-art hologram display, live creature zone, telescopes, LEGO engineering stations, coding games, sensory circuits, and more. Through these innovative and engaging experiences, children are encouraged to explore, build, question, and experiment, nurturing a lifelong love of discovery and innovation.

“The Orbit Shuttle embodies our mission to make high-quality, experiential STEM learning accessible to all children,” said Edward Zaki, Co-Founder of Rise & Shine Kindergarten. “By taking imagination on the road, we’re breaking down barriers and bringing world-class learning experiences right to where children learn and play.”

The Orbit initiative was born through a vision of Edward and Marianne Zaki, the husband-and-wife team behind Rise & Shine Kindergarten and the Orbit, Centre of Imagination. With professional backgrounds in engineering and pharmacy, Edward and Marianne have combined their expertise and passion in STEM and early childhood education to build innovative, child-focused learning environments unlike anything seen in the sector.

Their journey in the early childhood sector began with a simple belief, that every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore, and imagine in an environment designed to spark curiosity. That belief has driven the creation of Rise & Shine Kindergarten which encompasses a holistic approach to learning through the Shine Advantage curriculum, dedicated Smart Start rooms (onsite STEM rooms), its world-first Orbit, Centre of Imagination hub, and now, the Orbit STEM Shuttle, a mobile platform continuing their mission to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators through making STEM more accessible.

“STEM is the language of the future,” said Marianne Zaki, Owner and Founder. “Through the Orbit Shuttle, we’re helping children discover that learning isn’t confined to classrooms, it’s something they can touch, see, and experience everywhere.”

The Orbit program also reflects the passion and dedication of Jennifer Weston, Group Head of People & Culture at Rise & Shine Education. With over 25 years in early childhood education, Jennifer played a pivotal role in bringing both the Orbit, Centre of Imagination, and the Orbit Shuttle to life.

“Our educators are the heart of what we do,” said Jennifer. “The Orbit Shuttle not only enriches children’s learning experiences but also inspires our teams to think bigger, teach creatively, and continue pushing boundaries in early education.”

Supporting the educational design and curriculum behind the Orbit program is Petro Papazoglou, Head of Education at Rise & Shine Education. With nearly two decades in primary education and a strong background in inquiry-based learning, Petro’s leadership ensures the Shuttle’s programs are engaging, inclusive, and deeply rooted in early childhood pedagogy.

“In nearly two decades in education, I’ve seen that every child has an innate sense of wonder,” said Petro. “The Orbit Shuttle gives us a unique way to nurture that curiosity from the beginning and show children that they can be the inventors and innovators of tomorrow.”

Through initiatives like the Orbit, Centre of Imagination and the new Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle, Rise & Shine Kindergarten continues to pioneer innovation and excellence in early learning. These programs showcase the organisation’s commitment to creating opportunities where imagination leads learning, empowering every child to shine bright and dream big.