In honor of this year’s UN International Day for The Eradication of Poverty, Kids’ Own joined with Foróige’s Big Brother Big Sister (BBBS) program in Sligo to develop a new workshop series. Our mission was to creatively address the theme of “Let Dignity be our Compass: Working together towards change to end persistent poverty.” Today, we are delighted to share the final publication from this project with you.

A group of extraordinary young people aged 10-18, along with their mentors, collaborated with  Associate Artist Andy Parsons and Associate Writer Sarah O’Keeffe. Together, they developed a creative exploration of a challenging subject – poverty eradication.

Through a youth-led, youth-centered approach, the participants engaged in conversations and creative activities, venturing into the complex realm of poverty. With the support of BBBS mentorship, they discovered a safe, nurturing, and imaginative space for dialogue.

The project’s theme, “Let Dignity be our Compass,” sparked innovative thinking. Andy Parsons even fashioned a colossal 10-foot-long compass, which became the focal point of their creative journey. This unique compass served as a wellspring of inspiration, guiding them towards illustrations, paintings, writing, and knitted creations that now form a magnificent piece of art.

We invite you to delve into this remarkable publication, “Compass of Change,” and witness the powerful impact of creative collaboration in addressing poverty. The voices and artwork of these young minds are a testament to the potential for positive change in our world.

Associate Writer Sarah O’Keeffe designed the publication, that shares some of the young people’s thoughts, ideas, and artwork.