Today we are facing unprecedented challenges, but we also have a unique opportunity to create a better world. worldwide are growing up in countries exposed to the negative impacts of climate change and myriad associated risks. Climate shifts, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation pose global concerns, but we have the power to work together and build solutions to protect our planet and secure a brighter future for generations to come.
The 51勛圖 Children's Fund (UNICEF), in its report, , highlighted climate change as one of the most significant challenges facing our world and future generations, alongside demographic transitions and emerging technologies. But there is a clear path forward: by integrating climate resilience into local planning and infrastructure, and investing in climate education, we can empower children with the knowledge and skills they will need to create a sustainable, thriving world.
We are our own greatest resource, yet our potential is vastly underutilized. But what if we could ignite true engagement and action? Imagine the impact of a mindset that drives real results.
Children, free from judgment and full of hope, remind us of the world＊s beauty. Isn＊t it both an opportunity and our duty to help them shape a better future? So why wouldn＊t we岸individuals, families, businesses and governments岸contribute to finding solutions to these problems. Hope and dreams are powerful inspirations, but how do we turn them into real, lasting change?
Investing in engagement and in developing an entrepreneurial mindset from a young age, rather than only in adulthood, is one means of building climate resilience and supporting innovative climate education.
But this mindset does not focus solely on education; it reaches much further. It supports building a better future by addressing several positive objectives, including access to decent work opportunities, economic growth, reduced inequalities, quality education and the eradication of hunger.
Sustainable Stories is a non-profit organization that is working towards these goals. Its mission is to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in young children, helping them make smarter choices for the future while keeping the world＊s greatest societal needs岸and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)岸in focus.
Throughout the world, books remain one of the most effective means of reaching kids 5 to 10 years of age. Sustainable Stories creates unique books aimed at helping children develop a global, future-ready mindset and essential skills that will enable them to contribute positively to citizenship, society, the planet and the economy. With these goals in mind, the books focus on three key connections:
- Emotional connection (the heart): The books contain beautiful, resonant and rhyming stories with stunning illustrations, each centred around an SDG.
- Intellectual connection (the head): They are conversation-starters, filled with fun facts and games to stimulate critical thinking as well as language-development.
- Actionable connection (the hands): The books highlight practical actions and challenges to nurture entrepreneurial skills.
The Sustainable Stories book, Dragon＊s Might Brings Delight, for example, tells a story about SDG 12, on responsible consumption and production:
※Hidden deep in the desert lies a kingdom of dragons. Here, a new Mega Dragon will soon be chosen. Each dragon shows off its strength to win the election. But Little Dragon seems to stand no chance and appears to be quite ordinary＃ or is he?§
Reading the book, kids will not only gain a better understanding of the concept of responsible consumption and production, but they will also see the benefits of nurturing true strengths such as creativity, problem-solving and self-confidence.
It＊s crucial to show young children the possibilities available to them in a positive way, but it＊s equally important to ensure that their environment can fully support them.
That＊s why Sustainable Stories provides these books free of charge to every school with children 5 to 10 years of age. In Belgium, every primary school is given a supply of 17 different books, one on each of the 17 SDGs. This means that nearly 5,000 schools, thousands of classrooms and hundreds of thousands of children receive Sustainable Stories books. Additionally, every teacher gains access to a free teaching package. That＊s impact. That＊s building the future.
This is only possible through financial support from businesses and institutions, as well as book sales in the private sector. Many of these partners go beyond financial support by actively helping distribute the books and even by using the books to teach lessons in schools. The partners also give Sustainable Stories a platform and speaking opportunities, because hearing stories read live works best to inspire and encourage other governments, educational systems, companies and citizens. It strengthens the connection between business and education while highlighting the power and impact of this co-creation project.
The nonprofit was initially founded by a father and daughter, driven by their expertise and above all their passion for creating a simple yet powerful way for everyone to contribute and make a lasting impact. Today, the organization has grown to include visually creative people; a partnerships team; an advisory board; freelancers; and a dedicated group of teachers and psychologists who continuously refine and enhance the mission of the initiative, propelling it to reach its full potential.
In Belgium, a child psychologist is responsible for selecting every television programme for the country＊s best-known children's channel岸part of the Belgian public broadcast and television system, which has an important public and educational duty. The psychologist reviews every book as one way to ensure quality.
Together, Sustainable Stories empowers children to become future-ready citizens and professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset. We, as nations, as leaders, as parents and as citizens, have a responsibility to develop innovative, adaptable talents equipped with essential skills for a healthier society and environment.
The ultimate goal of Sustainable Stories is to integrate this universal mindset education and the development of future-ready skills into the curricula of schools around the world, providing access for all children. The project is therefore actively seeking pilot projects across the globe. Its unique approach makes Sustainable Stories a world-first for any country that partners to implement it.
Governments and institutions that can help integrate Sustainable Stories into their national school curricula and disseminate the material to other schools and non-governmental organizations, as well as companies committed to a smarter and more inclusive future and those offering speaking opportunities to accelerate the mission of Sustainable Stories, are invited to get in touch at info@sustainablestories.be.
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