Inspired by the wisdom of children, here are 6 simple tips we can all live by to make 2020 an even better year. Presenting our Janifesto 2020:
1. Stay Generous
Patrick* took part in our creative workshops in a refugee camp in Uganda, where he lives. When war broke out in South Sudan, Patrick had to leave everything behind. But this beaming boy shows that you don’t need much to give a lot. “Kindness is the most important value, and to be hardworking. You need friends to help each other. I help my friends by sharing things.”
Inspired by Patrick? Why not give your time and volunteer?
2. Love yourself
3. See Beauty
Alleh loves everything about her nursery – especially drawing pictures. She reminds us that while everyone’s unique, there are some things we all share: “I’m going to draw a gingerbread man… He’s smiling like me.”
Explore children’s compelling stories with our year in pictures
4. Get Creative
Faisal* attends our early learning centre in Za’atari refugee camp. It’s a safe space where he can learn and get on with the serious business of having fun; bashing his tambourine, building forts, or coming up with his next epic story: “Once upon a time, there was a father rabbit and a mother rabbit, and they had babies. The end. The other story is about two turtles, a mother and a father. And three baby turtles, and one of them wears make-up.”
5. Step up
When Maisie* learned to weld at our youth livelihoods programme, a few eyebrows were raised. She ignored them – now she’s setting an example for the next generation: “It’s a source of pride for my whole family that I am one of only two welding girls in the community. Hopefully more will join next year.”
Be like Maisie: Take on a personal challenge this year
6. Be Bolder
Hiba* fled bombs in Syria and made the long journey to safety in Jordan. Now she’s on a mission to end child marriage – going against centuries of tradition and challenging the older generation. Is she phased? “We will fight the world to stop it,” says Hiba. “Any man can teach his daughter what to do and what not to do. And at some point, it will be his turn to listen to me.”
Follow Hiba’s example and speak out for children
Want more of this feeling?
Find out why the world IS getting better
Look back: Check out 2019 in pictures
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*Names changed to protect identity
