The GOAT gang shapes the future
Made by young people for young people: Co-creative workshops developed innovative formats for our digital learning platform “Natur Entdecken Online” (NEO; Discovering Nature Online) on rainforests and sustainable consumption, along with ideas for museum activities, last year. This collaborative project that involved the LIB and the Alexander-Koenig-Gesellschaft, is targeted at genuine participation of young refugees who have not been living in Germany for more than a few years. Leo, Delicia, and Kavin share their experiences, from palm oil checks and video shoots to new friendships.
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Delicia, 12 years old
Our opinion matters!
“Working so closely with the museum team and other young people was such a great experience. I got to know the museum much better – and I learned a lot about research. I particularly enjoyed the rainforest exhibit. I’m now much more mindful at home, eating less meat, paying attention to labels when shopping, and avoiding palm oil.”
We also want to share with other young people that we are all part of nature and talk about ways to protect it. We would like to help them discover rainforests even if they can’t visit the museum. For this, we are creating a page with games on NEO and planning a big event in cooperation with the museum team that I’m really looking forward to.
I made many new friends in the workshops. They share my views on the environment. I particularly loved having this opportunity to take on responsibility. We had a great many good ideas and always managed to reach an agreement on them. I think that young people should have a say more often. Our opinions matter, after all.
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Kavin, 11 years old
From visitor to part of the museum
“I used to just visit the museum. Now it feels like I’ve become part of it. I love that. It was so interesting to develop ideas together. It was particularly important to me that we established some rules right away: Everyone was to let everyone else finish speaking and we were to be kind to each other. Where opinions differed, we voted to make a decision.
It was fascinating to learn about how the rainforest ecosystem works and why rainforests are vital. I was particularly interested in the matter of food: I loved figuring out what to look for when shopping – for example, when buying sweets for my mom’s birthday.
While I’m usually very shy, I managed to give interviews and even sing here. It has made me more confident. I’m also more likely to speak my mind now. I would love it if the GOAT gang could continue to be involved. After all, we kids know best what other children like at the museum.”
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Leo, 13 years old
Completing dares in front of the camera
“We called ourselves the GOAT Gang (Greatest of All Times). I love that! Exploring the rainforest together was so much fun. I always enjoyed participating in the workshops.
My absolute highlight was when we recorded a rap song together. It gave me joy for a long time afterwards – even though I was a bit scared of it initially. I even overcame my fear of cameras to give a TV interview. I was so proud when I saw myself on TV and was able to show the rap video to my friends.
I loved being part of a community. We worked really well together as a group and inspired each other. It felt great to be listened to and to have my ideas valued. I’d love it if we could have more workshops at the museum and help shape them. I’d definitely be there!”