Lebanese siblings turn wooden sticks into award-winning toy kits

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Lebanese siblings Jana and Rayan Barhouche launched Beaver Education, an award-winning startup producing wooden educational kits that encourage children to build and learn through play. After winning the Toy Award in Germany, the company expanded production to China and introduced a school program in Lebanon that integrates hands-on challenges with academic learning to foster creativity and problem-solving.

Lebanese siblings Jana and Rayan Barhouche have transformed a simple childhood idea into an award-winning educational toy startup, Beaver Education, launching a product that encourages children to build and create using wooden kits. The concept, initially discussed in 2021, came to fruition three years later after extensive development and testing.

Inspired by their own experiences growing up—constructing games and wooden structures while involved in Scouts—the duo aimed to promote "learning through play." Their journey involved creating 40 prototypes, experimenting with 20 types of wood, conducting pilot projects with 200 children, and consulting 50 educators to refine their product. This process culminated in the invention of a patented cutter and clamp system integral to the kits.

In January 2026, Beaver Education made history by becoming the first Arab company to win the Toy Award in the startup category at an event in Germany. Following this recognition, the company established a production line in China to meet growing demand.

Beaver’s kits are designed for children aged six and above and come in three levels of complexity. The most advanced kit offers 20 different designs divided into five difficulty tiers, enabling users to develop skills progressively.

In addition to the product line, the siblings initiated an educational program in November 2025 currently operating in 10 Lebanese schools, targeting students in grades five to seven. Drawing on nine child-development theories, the curriculum aims to help students apply academic concepts practically while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and divergent thinking. Each school year includes six challenges, some inspired by historical scenarios such as Amelia Earhart’s airplane, followed by open-ended creative projects designed to encourage independent thinking.

The Barhouche siblings’ approach combines hands-on learning with curriculum-driven content, representing a growing trend in educational tools that emphasize active engagement and critical thinking among young learners.

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