Dear Guest, Welcome to the very first Kindred Project Celebration. As a group of students determined to make a difference, we are so happy to have been given the opportunity and support to get to this evening. The Kindred Project is a unique student driven non-profit organisation set up in 2010 by Sotogrande International School with the firm goal of enabling and empowering students to use education as a force for good in the world. We strongly believe that proactive, responsible young people are key for overcoming the problems in the world, and thus must be encouraged and supported as drivers of positive change within their local communities and beyond. Thank you to everyone who has had a part in this and we really hope you have a wonderful evening. SIS students
Entre todos, por un mundo mejor
“The Kindred Project; three simple little words that, to me, still mean the world. Explaining this to someone is no small task; why does my blood still rush as I read over this name? To grasp the force behind what KP has become, it helps to take a look back at all that it once was. When it started, The Kindred Project had nothing more than one humble intention in mind: to give children power through their education. It is within this beautifully refined ambition that The Kindred Project’s true power lies. A shift took place in that classroom all those years ago. Suddenly students were no longer being told what to do and who to raise money for. A dialogue was established and for the first time learning felt real; no longer just a requirement but something with more meaning. We might not have had much of a clue about what we were getting ourselves into, but years later those simple seeds have flourished into a thriving tree. When I look back on all my treasured memories that come to mind, it is not only what everyone who I was lucky enough to work alongside taught me about themselves, but what they taught me about myself that I truly believe changed the course of my education. It is for this very reason that, even as I sit halfway across the world in Australia, so far removed from the Rice Days and Kiss the Casbah’s, The Kindred Project still means so much to me. What I have learnt, and what I continue to learn, can be taken with me wherever I go; it is a gift that I didn’t even realise I was being handed as I embarked on all those years of challenges and adventures. And it is one that I will cherish for life.’’
5
alumni of sis
Flora Sträuli
JAMES KEARNEY
Head of Sotogrande International School How incredible to work alongside meaningful projects, that touch the lives of the people around us. Internally, seeing the faces of conviction from our youngest students to the life-changing experiences offered to our older ones is amazing and shows such connection. Using education as a force for good, not only enriches the lives of those within our local community but brings so much joy and happiness to those in our global community. We do provide opportunities to think about others, other than ourselves, this is needed within our current society. I feel honoured to have the Kindred Project within our school. Mr Kearney, Head & CEO of Sotogrande International School
I’d like to tell you a short story about how 1 can become 52 can become 520. I think it captures the essence of why The Kindred Project is so lifeshaping for our children and the communities we serve. 10 years ago a remarkable teacher of ours, took the first group of students to Asni to work with a Berber community in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. They spent a week there helping with the building of the new community centre and getting to know the children and adults within the community. As they were about to leave, our intrepid teacher gathered the student together, congratulated them for their efforts and for the friendship they had made over the week and then, rather bluntly asked what they were going to do for the next 51 weeks of the year! How were they going to build a sustainable bond with the Asni community? How would 1 become 52 become 520 weeks? That light bulb, aha moment, gave birth to The Kindred Project, the first student-led NGO to be formed in a School. Back at SIS they kept in touch with the village council and together, came up with the idea of an eco-tourism centre for schools. They created the website for the community and soon after, other school groups from the UK began to visit.
520 weeks later, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our partnership with our extended family. Over these years, the next generation of students has collaborated with the association to create other Social Enterprise project including growing saffron and beekeeping. What is so remarkable is how much our children can achieve when they are empowered by dedicated teachers, parents and staff to use education as a force for good. Association Tiwizi now covers its cost through these joint initiatives and our two communities are bonded together. At the heart of our work, is this belief that a ‘hand up is better than a handout’ and that is achieved through social enterprise partnerships and creating a sense of belonging. KP now has long-lasting partners in Ecuador (since 2008), Morocco (since 2007), Spain (since 2013) and Uganda (since 2012). So my heartfelt thanks goes out to those who have gone before; to those with us now and to those future champions and change makers who will continue to carry the KP torch.
PAUL TEMPLETON PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE KINDRED PROJECT
Hogar Betania Spain
Hogar Betania has been our local partner since 2013. It is a nonprofit association in La Linea, Spain, that helps those at risk of social exclusion to normalise their lives. The centre runs a 1 year residential programme for over 35 people, as well as an overnight homeless shelter with another 25 beds. It also runs a daily soup kitchen feeding over 200 families. They also have a safe house for women and children who are victims of human trafficking and gender violence. During the summer months they run a camp for children in need. It is the only multi-purpose centre of its kind in the whole of Andalucia. When we arrived at Hogar Betania the centre was on the verge of closing down. The Kindred Project helped fund and students physically participated in the restoration of the centre which was derelict. With our support in the last few years Hogar Betania has been able grow immensely and strengthen their network of donors to keep the centre going and growing.
“At an educational level, I feel the hands on work SIS is doing locally is pioneering and I am delighted that our relationship with SIS exists because you are a huge part of our changeâ€? BegoĂąa Arana, Director of Hogar Betania
Morocco
“I can say our success has depended on the support given by Sotogrande International School...it is wonderful that every April during the D1 CAS trip, myself, the Association and the entire community of Asni celebrate the birthday of our friendship and partnership.“ Hassan Edderjoun, President of Association Tiwizi
Association Tiwizi in Asni, Morocco was originally founded in 1998 and became a partner of The Kindred Project in 2007. It is a community based association which focuses on education, environmental protection, capacity building and networking in order to assist social and economic development in the local area, Asni. In collaboration with The Kindred Project, SIS run their annual D1 CAS trip’s to Asni. The D1’s organise a big fundraising initiative every year and take the money raised with them to Asni to develop Association Tiwizi’s key projects. The donations have been used to support the local girl’s boarding house, the local maternity unit, primary and secondary schools, the construction of roads, terracing and irrigation systems. As well as this, in 2008 SIS students developed a social entrepreneurship initiative to attract eco-tourism to the area. By developing a website and leaflets, Association Tiwizi now receives over 15 schools a year. In addition, we initiated the growing of organic Saffron, with students planting the first bulb over 5 years ago, the Association now produces 3kgs a year to sell.
Uganda
Nabugabo Community Learning Centre (NCLC) in Uganda has been one of The Kindred Project’s partners since 2012. The school was set up by David and Judy Batten, former teachers of SIS to create a peaceful and sustainable future for the children of the Nabugabo area by ensuring that they are educated in a safe and secure environment. The school was built with the help of SIS students during their annual trips. With support from The Kindred Project through donations, fundraising events and expeditions, NCLC continues to succeed with almost 100 pupils, over a half of which are sponsored by the SIS community!
“‘Thank you so, so … so much’ does not really convey the depth of gratitude that the community here feels for its close connection with SIS.. Without SIS, the school simply would not exist. Simply phenomenal!” Dave Batten, Co-Founder of NCLC
Ecuador
“I can say our success has depended on the support given by Sotogrande International School...it is wonderful that every April during the D1 CAS trip, myself, the Association and the entire community of Asni celebrate the birthday of our friendship and partnership.“ Hassan Edderjoun, President of Association Tiwizi
The Yanapuma Foundation in Ecuador has been one of The Kindred Project’s partners since 2008. Their mission is to bring about lasting change for some of the most marginalised and indigenous people of Ecuador. We have supported the implementation of a language rescue project to develop interactive materials for the Kichwa and Sapara languages, as well as a programme to promote and protect the Tsa’chila culture. In addition The Kindred Project implemented an intercultural exchange programme where Spanish online classes were given by Ecuadorian teachers to non-spanish speaking SIS students. In the summer of 2016, 17 SIS students took part in the first expedition to Ecuador to work hand in hand with the indigenous Tsachila community.
A snapshot of The Kindred Project Journ EC1 student stands proudly together with her siblings ready with their donations. Destination: Asni, Morocco.
P1’s proudly present their impressive readathon stickers while raising money for our partners, Nabugabo Community Learning Centre in Uganda
EC2 student picking organic saffron grown at our partners Association Tiwizi during The Kindred Project’s Asni Family Trip
P2 students getting stuck in at Hogar Betania in Spain as part of their Helping Unit
ney at Sotogrande International School P3’s learn about our work in Ecuador with the Yanapuma Foundation and Tsa’chila Community, and the impact their fundraising efforts have had during their Values and Actions UnitValues and Actions Unit
P5 students reflect on shared experiences from residents of Hogar Betania (Spain) during unit on Migration
P4’s in action as Eco Warriors working on the Pure Purpose project turning cantina food waste into compost
P6 students carry out volunteering activities during their visit to Hogar Betania connecting with their unit on Conflict Resolution
A snapshot of The Kindred Project Journ M1 students sell their Porange juice, a social enterprise developed at The Kindred Project club
M3 student making a positive difference in the Nabugabo (Uganda) through the community project with their Little Suns solar lamps
M2 students running the Dreaming Dragons pop up stall through the Global Citizenship Programme
M4 students embrace the Ecuador Expedition and work with the indigenous Tsa’chila community.
ney at Sotogrande International School D2 Students staying connected with life long friends made from their time at Nabugabu Community Learning Centre via Skype Calling
M5 student gets a warm welcome during the Uganda Expedition to Nabugabo Community Learning Centre
D1 students immersed in an intercultural conversation at the girls boarding house during the D1 CAS trip to Asni, Morocco
Alumni Chloe and Caroline in Nabugabo Community Learning Centre (Uganda) volunteering and deliver the water filters bought with the Readathon funds to the local health centre.
KP club IN PRIMARY “Being part of a developing KP Primary group is one of the things which I am most proud. Working alongside other committed teachers and staff to support our younger students in developing their passions has been an extremely rewarding experience over the last three years. Children often come and ask “What do I have to do to join KP? How much does it cost?” Obviously, the answer to both these questions is nothing, as KP Primary belongs to them. They need only their compassion, their creativity and commitment. Students bring differing talents to the group. Some bring collaborative skills, some artistic talent, others innovative ideas or strong communication skills. But they all come with a desire to make a positive change to the world in which we live. I love watching normally shy, timid students bellowing across the playground in their determination to sell their wares in a bid raise money to help others. I ask students themselves what they like best about KP and their answer places alongside some of the greatest philosophers; ‘helping others makes you feel happy’. Without the continuous support of our parent body and the wider SIS community none of this would be possible and so we thank you. ”
jane cameron primary teacher
KP club IN secondary “The Kindred Project club is a way of doing enjoyable projects and fun acts for a good cause so it is a 2 for 1. Also it expands our knowledge about what is happening in the world and involves us in great experiences and challenges. In KP we learn different skills, and a level of understanding of the world which has made me grow as a person. It has opened and is going to open doors for my life in the future. Right now we are working on our own social enterprise called Porange, using unwanted oranges and turning it into orange juice or marmalade which is a great way of helping reduce food waste and being creative.”
antonio pérez, m1 student “Supporting a charity isn’t just about fundraising, and through The Kindred Project we achieve continuity with all the various partner organisations. It is good to lend a hand-up, not just a hand-out!”
sis student “In KP, we are encouraged not only to embrace and adapt to change, but also manage and influence it”
sis student 8
KP parent experience “Supongo que cuando llegue a casa y vayamos asimilando todo esto, seré capaz de expresar algo mejor, pero por ahora me quedo con todos los momentos especiales que he vivido en este viaje y que intentaré ir ordenando en mi cabeza para después guardarlos en mi corazón para siempre. Me quedo con miradas, sonrisas, siempre sonrisas, abrazos, manos que chocan con manos, atención constante, amabilidad, preocupación, dar sin pensar en recibir, ganas de aprender, palabras, gestos que no olvidaré… me quedo con olores, sabores, vistas, colores, texturas… todos los sentidos alerta para recibir toda la información posible concentrada en poco tiempo. Estoy segura de que me llevo más de lo que he sido capaz de dar, pero volveré para seguir dando más cada vez y contribuir a este maravilloso proyecto. ”
rosi pintado, parent of p5 student
staff kP experiences “I am still totally overwhelmed by my recent visit to Asni. The opportunity to work with students from Sotogrande and with the young people from Morocco, gave me a deeper insight into the impact of the work of The Kindred Project and it´s partners. I feel privileged to have experienced what really is a “life changing and magical experience” that helps us to reflect on the world in which we live, our purpose in life and how we can be truly globally minded, Global Citizens. These experiences are unique and whilst we do our best as teachers, the most significant learning that takes place through such partnerships cannot be taught solely within the classroom. One really does have to delve so much deeper than the classroom to understand the hugely positive work of The Kindred Project and its partners, the life changing impact these have and how important these are in using education as a force for good in the world. We have to do our utmost to promote and celebrate this work and share our stories with others and lead the way for those other schools and organisations who can benefit from our shared knowledge and experiences”
jennifer liptrot, sis staff “El KP es adictivo, una vez que lo pruebas, no puedes dejarlo... Así siento que es su labor. Cuando comienzas a colaborar, es probablemente mucho más lo que tú recibes a cambio, que lo que puedes dar, y allí radica la grandeza del servicio comunitario, es totalmente recíproco. KP te ayuda a comprender que vivimos en un mundo global, con tremendas diferencias, pero que en el fondo todos somos iguales, en cuanto a nuestros sueños y deseos, aunque difieran el lugar y el espacio. Haber sido (y serlo) parte del KP, engrandeció mis ánimos, y sumó a mi currículos personal y profesional, es una experiencia inolvidable que es muy difícil explicar con palabras, porque se siente en el alma y en el corazón. El impacto que tiene en los alumnos es invaluable, y no es cuantificable en términos académicos ni personales, pero sí fácilmente identificables, ya que el grado de cambios personales es importante, y allí es donde radica la grandeza de la experiencia, en el impacto positivo que tiene en todas las personas.”
henry reyes, sis staff
8
Social enterprise What does it mean at Sotogrande International School? Students learn through their small business concepts and activities, invaluable skills and gain life experience in all areas that enable them to make a difference. They are provided with opportunities to attend workshops and are educated by different professionals in order to provide a thorough background and understanding of the world of business whilst collaborating with The Kindred Project. The Dreaming Dragons social enterprise was created in a Global Citizenship Programme class by students in 2014. To date, it is a constantly evolving group of students that run pop-up shops during Enterprise Day selling secondhand items, products created and designed by students such as The Kindred Project’s merchandising, as well as those sourced from around the world through The Kindred Project’s partners and collaborators. Along with the enterprise skills that students work and strengthen they also develop their skills in the following areas:
• • • • •
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Collaboration and Communication Creativity and Imagination Citizenship Digital Literacy
student’s voice ‘‘It is about taking the passion you feel about a cause (this could be a global, local or social issue) and undertaking a businesslike activity that earns money (or provides other resources) to support that cause.’’
Dreaming Dragons support Association The launch of Porange, The People’s Tiwizi social enterprise selling organic Orange - reducing food waste and saffron at their pop up sales promoting healthy eating
GCP students marked World Social Enterprise Day with a visit to TRE Radio Station and share their views on the subject
Students design and create a hoodie for Association Tiwizi which is now part of their available merchandise for visiting schools
“My name is Chloe, I’m 20 years old and I grew up in SIS and I still firmly feel, having left the school 4 years since, that whilst you may take the girl out of SIS, you certainly can’t take SIS out of the girl. My first jumble sale was the Christmas of 2005, when I was 7, for the World Wildlife Fund. I first went to Morocco as a guinea pig for the initial SIS CAS trips to Asni when I was 9. Uganda etched its way into my heart when I was 12 and was lucky enough to be part of the first expedition to Nabugabo. I baked cakes, sold clothes, taught ukulele for the three years, and thanks to the support of the school community, I made it back every time. My first 12 hour lock-down at school was in year 9, playing endless badminton in the gym. 2 more trips to Morocco and painting in Hogar Betania. I left SIS in June 2014 and by November was cooking meals for Afghan refugees living in Colchester, where I attended sixth form college. Because the KP stays with you. In 2016, I attended an international conference in Switzerland as a proud KP representative alongside many other inspirational people. I went to South America and through The Kindred Project was able to form a connection with a jungle school in Ecuador, where we were immersed for a blissful month. My most recent trip to Uganda had me astounded daily at how far NCLC has come since we first started digging the trenches back in 2012 and how The Kindred Project, with the support of the community, have been the most vital part of that. Now, the point of this little piece was not to try and big myself up but to try and convey the kindred spirit that KP instills in our students and to express my gratitude for having been one of them. With the open minded mentality that I was taught by my incredible inspirations of teachers, I have been able to follow my dreams and to maybe make a few positive changes along the way.’’
5
alumni of sis
Chloe Lawrence
‘‘Since it’s optimistic, courageous and some might say, audacious
inception in 2010, The Kindred Project has been a driving force for good and at the centre of our school’s philosophy. KP has evolved from humble beginnings with big dreams to make a real difference and change the world. It has already had a monumental impact on so many lives in a variety of local and global places. KP has empowered and opened the eyes of numerous members of our Sotogrande community, who now realise that they can improve and even save lives. Our colleagues, students and some parents have worked with KP partners in places such as Morocco, Ecuador, Spain and Uganda. They have shared their passion with others for reading, writing, technology, languages, sport, art, drama and music. Students have taught students. Teachers have taught teachers. For those who are fortunate enough to participate in KP ventures, we have all been humbled by the generosity and warmth of new friends who have comparatively nothing in terms of materialism, but are incredibly rich in values and culture. The KP initiative has been nothing short of inspirational and I have been honoured to be able to support and witness its evolution.’’
staff of sis
Kevin Stone
6
SOS Perrera Los Barrios. The pound serves as a refuge for abandoned and abused dogs in the Campo de Gibraltar region. Some cases of neglect and abuse are extreme. It routinely has well over 300 dogs who are cared for by a group of dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure their well-being, both mental and physical.
Apoyo Mutuo is a local charity based in San Roque that supports people in need. They provide essential items such as clothes, furniture, domestic appliances and other basic necessities. Apoyo Mutuo have been established for four years, but not many people are aware of the important work that this charity carries out.
Thank you!
We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to:
The Octogono Club de Playa y Tenis and Restaurante Quo for giving us students the opportunity to create and organise this event. From our very first meeting, the support offered was poignant and heart-warming and brought most of the group to the verge of tears. Thank you very much for your kindness, generosity and support. We believe we can make a difference and thanks to you all, it is happening. Sending our deepest gratitude and thanks to all at SIS who have had a part in pulling this amazing event together - you know who you are! And a huge thank you to all the companies that sponsored, advertised or donated prizes for the Raffle and Auction (at time of printing): Finca Cortesin, Itsomi, Arbolista, Lombardos, Eccolo, Bass Houses, Antonio Ferrer Physiotherapy and Personal Training, SIS Summer Camps, Omini, Jason Floyd Golf Academy, Sototennis Academy, Nautalia Viajes, Almenara Spa, Osterio de Nazario, Sunborne, Moonz, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Hotel Restaurante ‘‘Las Camelias’’. We believe we can make a difference and thanks to you all, it is happening.
SIS & The Kindred Project Students
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The Kindred Project has given me hope, Hope and conviction. Hope in people and the infinite potential that honest connections can create. Conviction in knowing that our children will make the world a better place, Conviction in the power of Education. We certainly live in a challenging world, and in these days when the darkest side of the world is too often revealed‌ send in the students! A driving force of pure transformational energy, passion and determination. They give us the courage to do what is needed to guarantee we accompany them on this life-shaping journey. We see them eagerly learn, wholeheartedly care and consciously act. It is truly inspirational. I feel tremendously privileged and humbled to be part of such a wonderful tribe A tribe made up of students, teachers, parents & leaders from all over the globe. Friends. A tribe ruled by love and respect I like to call HOME. Thank you for believing and making it happen.
Valentina Stirling .
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF coordinator THE KINDRED PROJECT