Young people have a far greater capacity than we give them credit for.
At just 13, Shiloh has been a driving force behind the establishment of GVL’s Environmental Program. His passion for sustainability was inspired by his mother’s work as an aquatic ecologist and his lifelong love of the outdoors. Through GVL’s Environmental Program, Shiloh has deeply embedded sustainability and respect for our environment in the way we live, learn and dream at GVL. His vision and leadership has led to the implementation of a significant number of environmental programs and activities across all of our age groups.
At just 8 years old, Olivia has launched a profitable business.
Olivia engages in the end-to end production of her own t-shirt line. Using her iPad to create original designs, Olivia works onsite at GVL’s Makerspace to print, press, produce and package her product. Olivia sells her t-shirts at the Big Apple Cafe. Her entrepreneurial journey is only just beginning, with an expansion into the local slime market on the horizon. Next market day, be sure to stop past Olivia’s stall to see her amazing work for yourself.
We are inspired every day by young people like Shiloh and Olivia.
Too often, we significantly underestimate children’s capacity to make an immediate, direct and positive impact on the world around them. When this view is widely held by educators, parents, the media, employers, and politicians, it’s no wonder that it becomes internalised by many young people.
As custodians of their potential, it’s time to reimagine the way we support or constrain our young people.
Global Village Learning is a community where each learner is deeply known and valued. Our learners are given the freedom, flexibility, and autonomy to explore their passions and develop their ideas. With access to resources, support, and the opportunity to build real-world skills, we are delighted to constantly witness them transforming their visions into reality.
During Children’s Week, we are reminded that when we give young people the space to grow, they won’t only rise to the occasion—they will exceed our expectations.
