We were so happy to feature Aaron who is presenting the project titled, Young Storytellers in Norway, at our event on August 27th!  Read more about Aaron’s project below:

Project Description

I want to bring The Young Storytellers program to Oslo! YS is a non-profit company based out of Los Angeles, CA. I have been involved with the program for five years. We believe that every child has a story to tell. We connect what is in their hearts with what is in their minds and a story is born! I lead a class with ten students and ten adult mentors and for ten weeks, for an hour each week, we meet at their school and create magic. Each session is led by a head mentor and consists of imaginative physical games, a curriculum dealing with the elements of storytelling and writing a screenplay. At the end of the ten weeks the students have a five page screenplay of their original story. This five page screenplay is then performed by actors on a stage in front of students, parents, faculty and friends. Each child gains something different from the experience but they definitely feel empowered, creative, confident, and happy. This is an awesome program!

Why does this idea matter to you and to the city of Oslo?

Children are the future and creativity matters. Oslo, and Norway, deserve to have their children benefit from this program. Being creative, stepping out of your comfort zone, starting and finishing a project, inspiring others, learning, being a part of a group, gaining confidence. The program is rewarding for the students, the mentors, the community and the school system.

 

How will you use this microfunding?

While I have the support of Young Storytellers in Los Angeles, which includes curriculum and organization protocol, I do not have any monetary help in getting YS into the light here in Norway. Micro Grant funding will be used for marketing and advertising for the startup of the program. Posting on bulletins, copy and office supplies, propaganda, digital media, transportation to meetings, and a red carpet for The First Big Show in Norway!

 

What elements of community or sustainability will be addressed with your idea?

The community benefits from bringing adults and children together in an educational and creative setting. The school benefits with enlightened students, the adult mentors benefit from the act of giving of oneself freely, and the students benefit from having the opportunity to explore their creativity and to fully see their very own project from start to finish. Children + Adults + Creativity = Community

 

How do you contact the project?  Visit them at the following links: