Bunting for Unity : Representation Matters

I had the privilege of recently working with an amazing group of people at a local garden classroom. In our building up conversations I remember saying to Paula, "I am happy for anything as long as it isn't worms, snails or anything that fits that brief".

As we move towards the green industry and care society, I am keen to develop these skills and also embed in my work and various roles as an Educator, leader in education and transformative work with individuals and communities including communities that have been dispersed due to climate change and the Economy society.

My highlight was a four year old creating her bunting and amidst bursts of laughter claiming how she loves her Daddy's bald head. Now, what's not to love about about working with children? I went with it and the sensory aspects of Daddy's bald head, what a cutie? It was such a heart-warming moment that exemplified the joy and connection that comes from a sense of freedom.

As we move towards a green and care society, how can we inspire the next generation? We explored green skills, shared ideas, and collaborated on a bunting project with children from the community and the made the experience fun.

The experience taught me that there's always something to learn and that there's always common ground to be found when we take the time to connect with others. The children reminded me of the importance of staying open-minded and curious, as well as the joy that comes from working together towards a shared goal.

The creations were to be put together and to be the bunting at an upcoming Jazz Festival at the Green and talking to the children and families, I mentioned and maximised their contribution to the upcoming community event.

"We are all interconnected"        

"Representation matters because it shapes our view of the world. If you don't see yourself in stories, it doesn't just limit your view of yourself; it also limits your view of our place in the world" - Avan Jogia

Bunting for Unity : Representation Matters

• Reflect on the power of unity and the importance of individual contributions.
• Seek out opportunities for collaboration
• Share your unique perspective
• Don't feel afraid to stand alone
• Learn from each other as there is so much more to accomplish together
• Live and act courageously

Tips from a four year old (My observation)

Just have fun

Stay curious

Go all in

Put in the effort

Show others what you do. Don't be afraid to say, "Look!"

Share

Laugh and giggle

Tell stories. You can make them up and spark another's imagination

Thinking of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's words, how can we make the 'individual' 'collective', and in so doing acknowledge the complexities and get closer to widening your perspectives, developing more objectivity and understanding?

The art of success - What are the elements?

Thank you for joining me in this article. Please do share share thoughts on the Art of building, of representation and success in our communities. If not now, then When? Reach out if there anything I can help with.

I was speaking to an Garden school co-ordinator about they can bring the African environment in an English garden and challenge the children. She run with the idea and I am so happy because she said you can get bogged down with doing the same thing. Looking forward to helping her develop this idea. That's the spirit!

Juliet B. 4/7/2024