110
physical books printed and distributed
Implementation Period: 2023 (Project implementation and distribution phase)
Location: Brazil (with focus on flood-affected communities)
Focus Areas: Climate Education · Early Childhood Development · Storytelling · Community Resilience
Andressa Reis, a Youth Climate Champion from Brazil, spearheaded the "Growing as the World Grows" project, an initiative born from her deep concern for early childhood education and climate change awareness in her home country, particularly in communities vulnerable to floods. Her journey was inspired by the urgent need to equip young children with knowledge and resilience against environmental challenges from an early age.
The project centered on developing an engaging storybook designed to introduce complex climate concepts to children aged 4–8. This innovative approach transformed scientific information into accessible narratives, fostering a connection to nature and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Through "Growing as the World Grows," Andressa aimed to not only educate but also empower the youngest generation to understand and adapt to a changing climate, making them active participants in building a sustainable future.
The multi-faceted project involved collaboration with educators, local communities, and experts to create a culturally relevant and impactful educational tool. By focusing on storytelling and art-based learning, the project sought to create a lasting impression, nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and resilient individuals ready to face the challenges of a world growing alongside them.
physical books printed and distributed
digital version prepared for broader access
schools reached directly
educators engaged
of trained teachers actively using the book in classrooms
of children reached through storytelling and art-based learning
The project began with the meticulous development of the storybook manuscript, focusing on age-appropriate language and engaging narratives to explain climate change impacts and resilience strategies. Following content creation, professional illustrators were commissioned to bring the stories to life with vibrant and culturally relevant artwork. An ISBN was secured, and the book was prepared for publication in both Portuguese and English editions to maximize reach and accessibility. The final stage involved the printing of 110 physical copies, ensuring high-quality production for distribution. A digital version was also prepared to facilitate broader access and dissemination.
Physical copies of "Growing as the World Grows" were distributed to 10 primary schools across Brazil, with a particular focus on communities identified as highly susceptible to the impacts of flooding. This distribution was accompanied by interactive storytelling sessions and workshops led by educators, engaging children directly with the book's themes. These sessions encouraged dialogue, creative expression through art, and practical activities designed to deepen their understanding of climate change and local environmental issues.
Andressa and her team actively visited flood-affected communities, utilizing the storybook as a tool to spark conversations about climate resilience and preparedness. These visits allowed for direct engagement with parents and community leaders, fostering a shared understanding of the project's goals. Audiovisual materials, including photographs and videos, were systematically collected throughout the project lifecycle to document the impact of the book and the children's responses, creating a powerful testament to the initiative's success.
“The storytelling sessions and interactive activities were incredibly powerful. We saw children who were initially quiet and reserved blossom into confident communicators, eagerly sharing their understanding of climate change and their ideas for protecting the planet. One teacher from a flood-affected community shared, ‘Before this book, the children were afraid and confused when we talked about floods. Now, they understand why they happen and what we can do to stay safe. They even draw pictures of solutions!’ These stories underscore how ‘Growing as the World Grows’ has not only educated but also empowered young minds, fostering resilience and a hopeful outlook in the face of environmental challenges.”
A significant lesson learned from "Growing as the World Grows" is the profound impact of engaging children in climate education through creative and age-appropriate methods like storytelling. The project underscored the importance of strong local partnerships, especially with school administrations and community leaders, for effective distribution and sustained engagement. Logistical challenges related to reaching remote, flood-affected communities highlighted the need for robust planning and flexible approaches in future initiatives.
The commitment's of trained educators to actively use the book in classrooms is a key driver of the project's long-term sustainability, ensuring continued climate awareness for new generations of students. Future phases could explore digital platforms for wider dissemination and developing supplementary educational materials to deepen the learning experience. The enthusiastic response from children and educators alike confirms the immense potential of this approach to foster a resilient and environmentally conscious populace from an early age.
