H&M, the Swedish multinational clothing-retail company, recently launched a global initiative to support young role models across the globe.
(Photos courtesy of H&M)
The campaign aims to find and empower young changers whose efforts make progress in various issues including social equality, sustainability and education by bringing them forward and letting the world hear their inspirational stories through H&M's digital platform.
Embodying optimism, collaborative spirit and free-thinking, some of these children include an 11-year-old founder of a recycling business who says: "The future belongs to those who live in it"; a 13-year-old climate activist and surfer who says: "Kids born in the fire know how to put it out"; a five-year-old community leader who says: "Don't fight each other, fight together"; a 12-year-old different ability champion who says: "Teach the grownups to dream bigger"; and a nine-year-old engineer and community hero who says: "Kids don't know what they can't do."
While showcasing the impact these kids are making, H&M also wants to help support children around the world with a donation. At least 50% of the sale price from a new line of sustainable T-shirts will be donated to Unicef. Developed by the H&M Kids design team, the graphic tees are inspired by these young pioneers, expressing some of their thoughts and further amplifying their voices.
"The lessons kids are teaching us served as the inspiration behind the T-shirt graphics but they are also timely reminders of the work we all need to do for a better future. It's been so uplifting and motivating to learn how kids are driving change around the world, in their local communities, and beyond. We're also very happy that sales of these role model T-shirts will support the important work by Unicef around the world," says Sofia Löfstedt, head of H&M design kid department.
Executive director at Unicef Sweden, Pernilla Baralt, adds: "Every child has equal rights and every child can be a role model. Children are experts of their own lives, are brave, and dare to dream. It is time to listen to children and make their voices count."
The T-shirt collection is available online at th.hm.com.
