emirates7 - The 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024) kicked off with a pivotal initiative focused on preparing the leaders of tomorrow. Aimed at equipping young minds with essential communication and technological skills, the full-day training program, titled “New Generation Skills for Kids: Integrating System Thinking & Technology,” was launched through a strategic partnership between UK-based Strawberry Fields and the Sharjah Private Education Authority.
Designed for children and adolescents aged 8 to 15, the program featured interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities to foster creative expression through storytelling and collaboration. The initiative was led by John Rainford, CEO of Strawberry Fields, who introduced concepts such as integrating logical thinking with technology, mind-mapping techniques, and enhancing critical and creative thinking skills.
Rainford explained, “We are discussing the future of technology within various systems—be it educational, planetary, or ecological. Understanding these systems is key to finding effective solutions to emerging problems. Our goal is to enhance communication and equip children with the tools to leverage technology in meaningful ways.”
He emphasized the importance of integrating systems thinking into early education to improve problem-solving abilities, revolutionize learning experiences, and positively impact children’s health and well-being. “By fostering an understanding of their own well-being and the environment, we aim to cultivate a more ecologically and environmentally conscious future generation,” Rainford added.
The positive feedback from the children participating in the program at IGCF 2024 highlighted the value of extending these educational approaches to educators and parents. Rainford concluded, “The response from the children has been exceptional. It’s crucial to continue this lifelong learning process, and parents and teachers must also be equipped with these techniques to harness the power of emotional intelligence combined with systems thinking.”
Designed for children and adolescents aged 8 to 15, the program featured interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities to foster creative expression through storytelling and collaboration. The initiative was led by John Rainford, CEO of Strawberry Fields, who introduced concepts such as integrating logical thinking with technology, mind-mapping techniques, and enhancing critical and creative thinking skills.
Rainford explained, “We are discussing the future of technology within various systems—be it educational, planetary, or ecological. Understanding these systems is key to finding effective solutions to emerging problems. Our goal is to enhance communication and equip children with the tools to leverage technology in meaningful ways.”
He emphasized the importance of integrating systems thinking into early education to improve problem-solving abilities, revolutionize learning experiences, and positively impact children’s health and well-being. “By fostering an understanding of their own well-being and the environment, we aim to cultivate a more ecologically and environmentally conscious future generation,” Rainford added.
The positive feedback from the children participating in the program at IGCF 2024 highlighted the value of extending these educational approaches to educators and parents. Rainford concluded, “The response from the children has been exceptional. It’s crucial to continue this lifelong learning process, and parents and teachers must also be equipped with these techniques to harness the power of emotional intelligence combined with systems thinking.”