Introducing
THE
Idea
Introducing
the
Idea
Learn more about the background of the project and how we’re hoping to build a sustainable, forward-thinking modell, that empowers children to be themselves.
OUR
Inspiration
Reinventing Role Models is inspired by the children’s non-fiction book “Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different” by Ben Brooks. The book tells stories of one hundred people who each found their own personal way of making the world a better place.
In common with the book, we truly believe that role models come in all shapes and sizes, hailing from every background, nation, belief, color, gender, age, and ability. Whether these people overcame obstacles, stood up for others, performed small acts of kindness, or blazed new paths, we are convinced that their achievements can inspire children to set out on their ways.
Using the book as a foundation, our participants are not only able to get inspired by a broad variety of diverse characters, but we also use the book as a template for our creative workshops, in which the children capture the essence of their personal role models through art and writing.
OUR
Approach
We aim to take a contemporary approach to role models by rethinking the more traditional forms that they have tended to take. By offering children a diverse cast of people to look up to, we hope to offer an alternative to strong, stoic superheroes, princesses waiting to be rescued, and sportsmen who are talented but little else.
Instead, we help children discover for themselves the true stories of people who may have impacted the world in more subtle ways. We hope that in the process, they’ll feel encouraged to become more open-minded and think critically about which values really matter and which should be rethought.
Our program is all about the kids coming to their own conclusions. Rather than telling them what is right, important, or valuable, we aim to help children think for themselves. We want each child to work out what truly matters to them.
OUR
Approach
We aim to take a contemporary approach to role models by rethinking the more traditional forms that they have tended to take. By offering children a diverse cast of people to look up to, we hope to offer an alternative to strong, stoic superheroes, princesses waiting to be rescued, and sportsmen who are talented but little else.
Instead, we help children discover for themselves the true stories of people who may have impacted the world in more subtle ways. We hope that in the process, they’ll feel encouraged to become more open-minded and think critically about which values really matter and which should be rethought.
Our program is all about the kids coming to their own conclusions. Rather than telling them what is right, important, or valuable, we aim to help children think for themselves. We want each child to work out what truly matters to them.
Future Aspirations and Sustainability
The Reinventing Role Models project consists of a youth camp and a subsequent exhibition of the children’s work. While the project is centered around the concept of role models, the content of the workshops is fluid and dynamic, leaving plenty of room for them to be adapted to the participants. There is scope to bring in topics such as gender dynamics, bullying, peer pressure, or discrimination, often through learning about potential role models who have had some experience with them. The versatility of this makes for a project that can be repeated, again and again, while remaining unique.
As the process is unique, so are the results. Every exhibition is put together solely by local children, teachers, artists, and other people involved in the project. Their work is a reflection of their city, their passions, and their lives.
In short the Reinventing Role Models project is…
Inspired by
Tales of Real People
More heroic than superheroes or film characters, we look up to real people, who have performed real acts of courage and kindness.
Aiming for
Future Sustainability
The project promises an experience tailored to each community and results that are as unique as the children who participate.
Focusing on
Free and Critical Thinking
Our goal is to encourage children to think for themselves, stand up for the things they believe in, and question the world around them.
