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
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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At the Royal Talens Foundation, we're delighted to share the impactful work of Villa Zapakara, a nonprofit organization in Suriname dedicated to enriching children's lives through educational and cultural programs. Their current initiative, running from August 2024 through December 2026, demonstrates how creative materials can play a vital role in connecting young people with their cultural heritage.
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The Royal Talens Foundation is proud to support Aisha & Friends in their meaningful work at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital's children's ward in Kenya. In October 2024, art supplies donated by the foundation brought creativity and joy to over 30 young patients and hospital staff.
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In a heartwarming collaboration this October, the Royal Talens Foundation provided art materials to Le Nid d'Artistes ("The Artist's Nest"), enabling 30 young artists to bring their imaginative worlds to life through creative workshops in Switzerland. The initiative specifically reached children from modest backgrounds, including young refugees from countries like Iran and Ukraine, who might otherwise not have access to quality art education.
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