At Teach the Future, we're always excited to showcase young individuals who embody the spirit of futures thinking and take action to create positive change. Today, we're thrilled to highlight the inspiring journey of Vrishank, a member of our Young Voices Council and a shining example of youth leadership in action.
From Mentee to Mentor
Vrishank's journey with Teach the Future began when he sought mentorship from our Young Voices Network to start a Futures Club at his school. His enthusiasm and dedication quickly stood out, leading to his selection as a member of our Young Voices Council. This transition from mentee to mentor showcases the how nurturing young minds and providing them with the tools to shape their futures.
"Pages of Joy": Bridging the Digital Divide
Vrishank's passion for spreading the joy of reading led him to create "Pages of Joy," an initiative that addresses the digital divide by making books accessible to underprivileged children. His essay, "Addressing the Digital Divide: What is the future of books drives?", published in the Journal of Futures Studies, explores this topic in depth. The initiative not only provides physical books but also aims to progressively introduce technology, bridging the gap between traditional and digital learning.
A Published Futurist
We're proud to announce that Vrishank's work has been published in the Journal of Futures Studies. This accomplishment not only demonstrates his deep understanding of futures concepts but also highlights the valuable perspectives that young voices bring to the field of futures studies.
Summer of Storytelling
During his summer break, Vrishank took his passion for storytelling to new heights:
1. Cancer Care Storytelling: He conducted online storytelling sessions for young patients at a children's cancer care hospital in India’s capital city of New Delhi. These sessions, conducted in Hindi, brought joy and engagement to children facing challenging circumstances.
2. English Language Learning: In Chennai, Vrishank held weekly storytelling sessions for 4th and 5th-grade students, helping them improve their English skills through interactive narratives.
3. Rural Education Initiative. As part of "Pages of Joy," Vrishank organized four storytelling and word game sessions for children at an elementary school in rural south India.
Looking to the Future
Vrishank's commitment to futures thinking extends beyond his storytelling initiatives. He's currently preparing to launch a podcast and is working on establishing a Futures Club at his school. His ability to connect with peers and school administration demonstrates the leadership skills fostered by engaging with futures studies.
Why Vrishank's Work Matters
Vrishank's initiatives align perfectly with Teach the Future's mission. By combining storytelling, education, and futures thinking, he's addressing current challenges while preparing young minds for the uncertainties of tomorrow. His work showcases how young people can be at the forefront of creating positive change and bridging socio-economic gaps through education and technology.
As we continue to support and celebrate young futurists like Vrishank, we're reminded of the immense potential that lies in empowering youth with the tools of futures thinking. We look forward to seeing how Vrishank's initiatives grow and inspire more young people to take an active role in shaping their futures. His story is a powerful reminder that the future is not something that simply happens to us – it's something we actively create, one story, one book, and one empowered youth at a time.
Some words from Vrishank himself in this mini interview:
What made you want to help other kids who don't have easy access to books and technology?
I wanted to help other kids who don't have easy access to books and technology because I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore the world of stories and knowledge. Reading has had a huge impact on my life from a young age, and I wanted to share that joy with others, especially those who might not have the same resources. Through "Pages of Joy" and other related projects, I'm trying to bridge that gap by providing both physical books and gradually introducing technology, so no child feels left behind.
As for the future, I think the problem could go either way. If we continue to innovate and prioritize access to education and technology, we can make a positive impact and reduce the digital divide. But if we don't address these issues with urgency and creativity, the gap could widen, leaving many children without the tools they need to thrive. This is why it's important to keep pushing for solutions that are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Can you tell us more about your cool project, "Pages of Joy"? How do you plan to get more books to kids who need them in the coming years?
"Pages of Joy" started as a simple idea to share the love of reading with kids in India who might not have easy access to books. The project aims to bridge the gap between children who have abundant resources and those who don't by providing physical books to underprivileged kids and gradually introducing digital resources as well.
In the coming years, I plan to expand "Pages of Joy" by partnering with more local and international organizations that focus on education and literacy. I'm also exploring ways to collect book donations from communities and schools, organizing book drives, and possibly even setting up mobile libraries that can reach remote areas. Additionally, I'm looking into ways to incorporate technology, like e-readers or educational apps, to make learning more interactive and accessible, especially in places where physical books might be harder to distribute.
The goal is to create a sustainable model and project that can be replicated in different regions so more kids can experience the joy of reading and learning, no matter where they are.
How important do you think it is for different people (like the schools, and communities) to work together to create a better future where all kids have the same opportunities to learn?
I think it's incredibly important for different groups like the schools, and communities to work together to create a future where all kids have equal opportunities to learn. Each of these groups plays a unique and crucial role in shaping education and access to resources.
The governments can create policies and provide funding that ensure every child, regardless of where they live, has access to quality education and technology. Schools can implement these policies and create environments where students can thrive, while also adapting to the specific needs of their communities. Communities, on the other hand, bring a local perspective and can offer support, such as organizing book drives that have been a large part of this project.
When these groups collaborate, they can address the educational challenges from multiple angles, ensuring that no child is left behind. This collective effort is very important because it allows for a more effective approach to solving problems like lack of accessible education and the digital divide, making sure that every child has the tools they need to succeed in the future. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world where all kids have the chance to reach their full potential.
What would you say to other kids your age who want to make a difference in their communities and help create a better future for everyone?
I would tell other kids my age that making a difference in your community starts with believing that your actions, no matter how small, can have a big impact. If you're passionate about something, whether it's education, the environment, or helping others take the first step, even if it's just sharing your ideas with friends or family.
Don't be afraid to start small. Sometimes, the smallest initiatives can grow into something much bigger. My first ever book drive to start this project received 70 books in total. Now, after 9 years, the same collection drive has collected over 9000 books.
Whether it's organizing a local event, starting a club at school, or volunteering your time, every effort counts. Also, don't be discouraged by challenges, they are just part of the journey. Keep learning, stay curious, and be open to collaboration with others who share your vision.
As a young person interested in the future, what do you think are the most important skills and ways of thinking we need to have to keep up with the changing world of technology and education? How can we help other kids develop these skills too?
As a young person interested in the future, I believe the most important skills we need to keep up with the changing world of technology and education are adaptability, critical thinking, and creativity. The world is changing quickly, and being able to adapt to new technologies and ways of learning is important. It's also important to think critically, to question the information we receive, and to make informed decisions. Creativity allows us to approach problems in unique ways, which is crucial in a world where we're constantly facing new challenges.
In addition to these skills, I think futures thinking is vital. It's about understanding possible futures and how our actions today can shape those outcomes. It helps us to not just react to changes but to anticipate them and plan for different possibilities.
To help other kids develop these skills, we can start by integrating them into everyday learning. Schools can focus on project-based learning, where students work on real-world problems that require them to use critical thinking and creativity. We can also encourage kids to engage with technology in meaningful ways, not just as consumers but as creators.
Peer learning is another powerful tool. When students teach and learn from each other, they often develop skills more effectively. Starting clubs, like a Futures Club, which is one of my ongoing projects, where students can explore these ideas together, can be a great way to improve these abilities.
In closing
Vrishank's journey from a curious mentee to a published futurist and community leader exemplifies that learning about futures thinking can start today. Through his "Pages of Joy" initiative, storytelling sessions, and commitment to bridging the digital divide, Vrishank has demonstrated how young voices can drive meaningful change. His work not only addresses current educational inequalities but also prepares the next generation for an uncertain future. As Vrishank continues to inspire and lead by example, he reminds us all that the future is not a distant concept, but a canvas we can shape today. Vrishank's story serves as a call to action for young people everywhere: with passion, persistence, and a futures-oriented mindset, even the smallest initiatives can blossom into world-changing movements.