Latest progress:
This project is closing... but... it will continue as abetterplace.io!
Ready for some activities?
So what will I do this month? Well, 72 people told me to 'Organize activities for children in disadvantaged districts who are not able to go on summerholiday; inspire other people to help you with f.e. sports, dance or theatre.' And that seems like a very nice idea to me!
Let's start with the kids
When researching I found that there is an organization that offers children in Rotterdam activities for in the summer. It's called the Yough Holliday Passport, I'm thinking to contact them first to see if I could provide them with some extra activities and in this way get in contact with the children.
Another option is to contact the Weekend School, they organize classes, trainings and activities for motivated youngsters between 10 and 14. This could be the perfect place to work together with.
If you think of other possibilities, let me know!
What kind of activities?
Dance: First of all I thought of a danceworkshop, I could do one myself and I know that Adi would also love to give one. And then finish off with a little dance performance.
(this happy dance movie I found the other day, the workshop would be a little different but hopefully with the same energy :-)
Slacklining: I practise slacklining quite often in the park and there are always people coming to join and try it out. Kids also love it and most of the time I don't get to practise myself anymore :-)
(I'm sure by now you've seen this video, in that case you can watch this advanced one :-)
Music: A workshop and concert from Carrot Nine, this is an upcoming jazz band which play covers of old children songs.
Painting swings: You could paint you own swing and then hang them up where ever you like with Swings Holland.
Computer: I could learn youth how to build a website within a day.
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That are the options for now! Do you have any other ideas or you want to help, join, etc. Let me know.
Comments
How about guerilla gardening with kids? Ask them which spot of Rotterdam they feel like brightening up and go there together to sow some seeds that are good for sowing now. You could even organize taking care of them a little later in the month together. If it works out they could really get a kick that they can actually influence their own environment for the better and get to experience the beauty of doing something with nature at the same time. All you need is a couple of shovels, seeds and water (in cans). Visit the website for guerilla gardenign for more info :) I think the age from 6-10 would probably like this and would really be able to do it too. Younger kids could only do part of what is needed and I cannot say if older kids would like it really... But still worth a try, no?
PS: If you decide to do it, will you let me know? I would like to join!
And you could sing "standing like a tree"with them ;)
There's lots of amazing initiatives for specific groups of kids, but one I have always found very nice is the holiday weeks (and any other activities) for kids living in asylum seeker centres, because they often experience a lot of stress and will be happy to be in a different environment and have fun: http://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/wat-doet-vwn/kindervakantieweken.php
@Verena, Guerilla gardening is a very good idea! And yes, I'll let you know for sure if it happends! :-)
@Margriet, very inspiring input. I think this could really be a nice thing to do this month. I'm going to check it out further tomorrow. Tnx!