I’m Lara Aoude, an enthusiastic advocate for early childhood development. Born and raised in Lebanon, my journey has taken me through various exciting roles, but nothing has been as rewarding as being a mother of two. My kids have taught me more about life and learning than any textbook ever could!
With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Sociocultural Engineering, I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing young minds across the Arab world. I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Senior Programs and Operations Manager at The Arab Resource Collective (ARC) and the Arab Network for Early Childhood (ANECD). In these roles, I’ve designed impactful national and regional interventions, developed holistic resources in Arabic, and contributed to the establishment of the Arab Network for Early Childhood.
Throughout my career, I’ve led various departments, including ECD, ECE, Networking, Communication, and Advocacy. I thrive on creating evidence-based programs, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing the quality of ECD and mental health content. One of my favorite projects is managing the Urjouha parenting website, where I get to engage with the Arabic-speaking parenting community and share valuable resources.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me having fun with my kids, exploring new ideas, and soaking up the joy they bring into my life. My passion for early childhood education drives me to continuously improve strategies and programs that positively impact children and communities throughout the Arab region and beyond.
So, that’s a bit about me – a professional by day, a mom always, and someone who believes in the magic of early learning and the endless potential of every child.