Promoting yourself: encouraging self-reflection through art
Mexico | In February 2024, Mundo de Talentos A.C. hosted a remarkable event in Mexico, connecting creativity and self-expression for young students. Supported by the Royal Talens Foundation, this project was a big success!
An invitation to self-reflection
The students participated in the module ‘Promoverte a ti Mismo’ (Promote Yourself), organised by the two Dutch guest teachers Melle Dotinga and Jaap Stahlie of the NGO Reclame Maken Voor Jezelf. Melle and Jaap have been guest teachers for 15 years at IMC Weekendschool where they organised this module many times. Mundo de Talentos is the first sister school of IMC Weekendschool on the Latin American continent.
In collaboration with a local team of guest teachers like psychologists, poets and writers, the students reflected on who they are, what they stand for and what makes them unique. Parents also took part in the program. Student María Fernanda shared their beautiful experience: "with the activities we do in Mundo de Talentos, I have learned that I accept and love myself as I am."
Personal and impressive results
Impressive personal and creative texts were the result of three sessions of writing. Jaap Stahlie, who is a professional photographer, portrayed the students. Texts written by the students will be integrated in the design of the photos and every portrait will be printed on A0.
The final result will be an incredible exhibition of 40 portraits with personal messages of our students that will be exhibited in the centre of Oaxaca City and other locations in the future. The materials used to create these beautiful writings and this exhibition are sponsored by the Royal Talens Foundation.
About Mundo de Talentos
Mundo de Talentos offers vocational training to children between 10 and 13 years old in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca in the South of Mexico. As a non-profit, they introduce children to interesting professions and study subjects through an intensive two-year program held each Saturday.
The main focus of the project caters to children from low-income families who would otherwise not have access to vocational training. Therefore, participation is free, apart from a small transportation fee when required. As a result, Mundo de Talentos primarily serves public school students.
Supported projects
Throughout 2024, the Royal Talens Foundation supported an art program for 158 young people in Cuernavaca, Mexico, run by WereldOuders and their partner organization Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) Mexico. For many of these youngsters who have already faced significant difficulties in their young lives, creative expression has become a vital tool for healing and personal growth.
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The Royal Talens Foundation has donated art materials to support a comprehensive two-year community program in Peru. The initiative, run by WereldOuders and their partner organization Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) Peru, serves 50 families, including 130 children and 150 young adults living in extremely challenging conditions.
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In March 2025, 72 students from IMC Weekendschool in Amsterdam Noord and Zuidoost embarked on a creative journey exploring the theme “The Future of Amsterdammers.” Over four weeks, these 10- to 11-year-olds immersed themselves in the world of visual arts, guided by four contemporary artists and supported by Royal Talens Foundation materials.
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The Royal Talens Foundation has provided art materials to the Palestine Humanitarian Response Centre (PHRC) for their upcoming Children's Hub in Cairo. This initiative aims to offer creative outlets and trauma relief to Palestinian children who have fled Gaza and currently lack access to formal education.
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