Team Hope, Resilience, and Solidarity

Dear children, dear Team of Hope, Resilience and Solidarity,

imagine a great natural disaster destroys your local bank and you are tasked to rebuild it from the simplest materials. You need to come together as a team and get truly creative. Forget about all the small and big digital helpers because, unfortunately, they no longer work following the natural disaster. The power is out and the internet has stopped functioning for a long time. The building is gone and you will show the adults that you are the children's and youth power team "Hope, Resilience, and Solidarity" at our University of Hope.

Shall we get started?

Let's think about what we need to set up a "new" bank first?

There was something! We need, of course, a space for our new bank ...

Please talk to your parents and teachers about this (project) idea and find a safe area that everyone agrees upon. This is very important.

Here are some possibilities:

Schoolyard: A schoolyard is often a safe place that is easily accessible and well-supervised. This could be an exciting topic for a project week or project days. Just talk to your teachers.
Community Garden: A community garden offers a green and relaxed environment that is well-suited for such projects.
Youth Center: Facilities like youth centers often have outdoor areas that can be used for such projects.

Setting Up Our New Bank of Hope

Materials:

Wood (for the framework and furniture)
Nails or screws (for stabilization)
Hammer or screwdriver
Old books, notebooks, or papers (for records)
Pens or charcoal (for writing)
Cloths or old curtains (for partitions)
Boxes or containers (for storing supplies and "currency")
Lockable chest or box (for valuable items)
Old furniture pieces or boards (for desks and shelves)
Fabric scraps or leather (for book covers and labels)
Glass bottles or jars (for storing small items)

Imagine What the Old Bank Used to Look Like? It doesn't matter if there was a beautiful picture hanging on the wall or an elegant lamp installed. You are responsible for rebuilding the bank and getting it back to functionality, so that the City of Hope (of which you are a crucial part) can flourish once again.

Your new functioning Bank of Hope should not only organize the distribution of supplies, but also serve as a central hub for the community. The bank will become a symbol of your collaboration, trust, and your ability to act structured and thoughtfully even in challenging times. I am convinced that you will handle this wonderfully.

Framework and Furniture Construction

Building Desks and Shelves:

Construct a stable framework from wood for the desks and shelves. Use square wooden posts as supports and connect them with crossbeams.
Build desk surfaces and shelf boards from old furniture pieces or planks. Ensure that the surfaces are smooth and stable to work on.

Creating Partitions and Privacy:

Attach cloths or old curtains to ropes or poles to create partitions. These provide privacy for banking transactions and storage of supplies.
Create separate areas for different tasks, e.g., a section for recording supplies and a section for distribution.

Storage and Security

Sorting and Storing Supplies:

Use boxes or containers to store supplies and "currency" (e.g., food, clothing, tools).
Label the containers with tags made from fabric scraps or leather to easily identify the contents.

Safety Measures:

Provide a lockable chest or box to store valuable items securely. This can be used, for example, to keep important documents or special supplies safe.
Use glass bottles or jars to store smaller items such as seeds or valuable materials.

Records and Management

Preparing Books and Notebooks:

Use old books, notebooks, or papers to catalogue supplies and record banking transactions. Remove blank pages from old notebooks and rebind them to make space for new entries.
Use fabric scraps or leather to create covers for the books and make them more durable.

Keeping Written Records:

Use pens or charcoal to maintain records. Accurately note who brings in supplies and who receives them.
Create simple accounting tables to stay organized. These can be in the form of lists or charts.
Keep an "Inventory List" with all available supplies, a "Distribution List" with all disbursements, and a "Wish List" with needed supplies and tools.

Training and Organization

Select a Bank Leader:

This person is responsible for the bank and can show the other youth how to keep records and manage supplies.
Organize regular meetings where group members discuss their needs and supplies. This helps ensure fair and efficient distribution.

Division of Labor and Teamwork:

Rotate tasks regularly so that each group member learns about the various roles and responsibilities. This promotes understanding and cooperation.
Encourage the youth to contribute their ideas and suggestions for improving the bank. This strengthens the sense of community and shows that every contribution is valuable.

Examples of Record-Keeping:

Inventory List:
- Name of the supply
- Quantity of the supply
- Date of storage
- Supplier (name of the child/youth)

Distribution List:
- Name of the recipient
- Quantity of the distributed supply
- Date of distribution
- Purpose (e.g., food, clothing, tools)

Wish List:
- Name of the desired supply
- Required quantity
- Name of the requester
- Date of the request

Trading Goods and Supplies (forget about your digital helpers like smartphones and such – the internet still doesn’t work and you have to find different ways to help yourselves, giving up is not an option...

Materials and Preparation:
- Notebooks or papers (for keeping trade records)
- Pens or charcoal (for writing)
- Various containers and boxes (for storing goods)
- Labels and fabric scraps (for labeling goods)
- A central marketplace (e.g., a square or a building)
- Small scales or improvised measuring tools (for weighing and measuring)

Setting Up a Marketplace:
1. Choosing a Location: Select a central location that is easily accessible for all children and youth. Ensure that the place is clean and safe.

Preparing the Marketplace:
- Set up stands or tables to display goods.
- Distribute boxes and containers to store and present goods. Label these containers with fabric scraps or leather to easily identify the contents.
- Set up an area for trade records. Use an old school desk or table to document the trades.

Developing a Trade System: Determining Trade Values
- Set up trade values.
- Determine the value of various goods through discussions and votes to ensure everyone's agreement.
- Create a list of goods and their trade values. For instance: 1 kilo of grain = 2 clothing items, 1 tool = 3 meals, etc. These trade values can be recorded on boards or in notebooks for easy reference.

Introducing Trade Tokens

- Develop a system of trade tokens or "credits" to facilitate exchanges. These could be small stones, wooden chips, or homemade coins. Each child/youth is assigned a certain number of trade tokens based on the supplies and goods they possess or create.

Establishing Trade Rules:
- Set clear rules for trading to ensure fairness and transparency. For example: "No trade without record," "Trade tokens must be handed over before the exchange," "Every trade must be documented in the trade book."
- Create a trade book where every transaction is recorded. Note the name of the provider, the name of the recipient, the goods exchanged, their values, and the date of the trade.

Organizing the First Trading Day

- Establish regular trading days where youth can exchange their goods and supplies. This could be once a week or every two weeks.
- Encourage everyone to prepare and label their goods in advance to ensure smooth trading.

Presenting and Offering Goods:

Display the goods on the stands or tables. Use labels to indicate the type of goods and the agreed trade value.
Provide the opportunity for others to inspect the goods and ask questions. This fosters trust and transparency in trade.

Conducting Trade Negotiations:

Conduct trade negotiations where you discuss your goods and their values. You can use your trade tokens to facilitate the exchange.
Ensure that every trade is documented in the trade book. This guarantees that all transactions are traceable and fair.

Examples of Trade Goods:

Notebooks or papers (for keeping trade records)
Pens or charcoal (for writing)
Various containers and boxes (for storing goods)
Labels and fabric scraps (for labeling goods)
A central marketplace (e.g., a square or a building)
Small scales or improvised measuring tools (for weighing and measuring)

Special Trading Events:
1. Annual Market: Hold a large market once a year where all youth can offer special goods and services. This could also be an opportunity to celebrate cultural festivals and traditions.

Invite all group members to showcase their best goods and participate in competitions such as "Best Handmade Tool" or "Most Delicious Dish."

Swap Meetings:

Organize smaller swap meetings where specific needs and offerings are discussed. For example: A meeting for handcrafted products or one for food.
These meetings foster community and provide the opportunity to establish specific trade relationships.

By following these detailed steps and ideas, you can establish a functional trading system that helps you use your resources efficiently and strengthens your community. Trade becomes a symbol of cooperation, trust, and the ability to find creative and practical solutions in tough times.

Developing Your Own Currency

Possible Hopeful Name Suggestions (but feel free to come up with your own name for your new currency):

"Hoff" (short for Hope, symbolizes positive prospects for the future)
"Unity" (for unity and togetherness)
"Nova" (stands for a new beginning and new stars on the horizon)
"Flare" (symbolizes light and hope)
"Arise" (stands for rising and a new start

Materials and Production

Paper (e.g., from old books, notebook sheets, unused pages)
Cardboard (for sturdier "coins")
Plant dyes or charcoal (for coloring and designing)
Pens (for drawing and labeling)
Fabric scraps or leather (for especially valuable notes or coins)
Seals or stamps (for security)

Step-by-Step Guide for Making "Hoff"

1. Currency Design:
- Decide on the designs and values for the new currency. For example: 1 Hoff, 5 Hoff, 10 Hoff, 20 Hoff, 50 Hoff.
- The designs can include symbols of hope, unity, and strength, such as stars, trees, hearts, or special symbols from the children's cultures.

Preparing the Materials:
- Gather paper and cardboard. Use old books, notebooks, or packaging.
- Cut the paper into uniform rectangles (e.g., 10 cm x 5 cm for banknotes).
- For sturdier coins: Cut the cardboard into small circles (e.g., 3 cm diameter) or rectangular pieces (e.g., 5 cm x 2 cm).

Coloring and Designing:
- Make plant dyes by crushing petals, leaves, or berries and mixing them with water. Alternatively, you can use charcoal.
- Color the paper notes and cardboard coins in different colors based on their value (e.g., 1 Hoff = green, 5 Hoff = blue, 10 Hoff = red, etc.).
- Let the colors dry thoroughly.

Labeling and Drawing:
- Draw the designs and symbols on the notes and coins. Use pens to add details and labels.
- Write the value of the currency on each note and coin. For example: "1 Hoff", "5 Hoff", etc.

Security and Authenticity:
- Make a simple stamp or seal to mark each note and coin. This can be a unique symbol or a simple drawing that is hard to forge.
- Each youth involved in the production can add their own stamp or initials to make the currency more personal and secure.

Distribution of the Currency:
- Agree on an initial allocation of the new currency to each youth, based on the supplies and contributions they have brought to the community.
- Use the new "Hoff" notes and coins for trading and paying for services within the community.

Steps for Introducing the New Currency:
1. Explanation and Training:
- Two of you can introduce the currency to the other children/youth and explain how it works.
- Conduct a training session to ensure that everyone understands how to use the currency and what its value is.
2. Building Trust:
- Use the currency regularly in trade and for paying for services.
- Encourage others to accept and use the new "Hoff" notes and coins to build trust in the new system.

Regular Review and Adjustment:
- Regularly review the success of the new currency and adjust it as needed. This can be done through feedback from your group and observations in daily trade.

By following these detailed steps, you can introduce your own currency that helps stabilize your economy and facilitate trade. The "Hoff" currency will become a symbol of hope, unity, and the ability to create a better future together.

In our bank project, there will likely be some (small) conflicts and disagreements; it is impossible for everyone to always agree, and that's a natural part of living and working together. It is important that you learn to resolve conflicts constructively while treating each other with respect and fairness.

Here are some methods and strategies for resolving disputes:

Conflict Resolution Strategies

Materials and Preparation:
- Find a quiet and neutral location for discussions.
- Choose a meeting protocol or board to document important agreements.
- Use an hourglass or timer to monitor your speaking time.
- Select a "talking stick" or another object to signal the right to speak.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conflict Resolution:

1. Introducing Conflict Resolution Rules:
- Establish common rules for conflict resolution that everyone accepts. These could include: "We listen to each other," "We speak calmly and respectfully," "We look for solutions together."
- Write down these rules on a board or poster and hang them in a visible place.

Introducing Discussion Facilitation:
- Implement a system where a "discussion leader" moderates the conflict. This role can be taken on by one of the older children/youth.
- The discussion leader ensures that the rules are followed and that everyone has the opportunity to express their opinion.

Clarifying the Conflict:
- Describe the situation: Each participant calmly and objectively describes what happened and how they experienced the situation. This can be done using a "talking stick" to signal who is speaking.
- Express feelings: Encourage each other to express your feelings using "I" statements, such as "I feel sad because...", "I am angry because...". This helps to avoid blaming and fosters understanding.

Finding Solutions Together:
- Brainstorming: As a group, brainstorm ideas to resolve the conflict. Write down all suggestions or put them on a board.
- Evaluating Solutions: Discuss the proposed solutions and evaluate them for feasibility and fairness. Choose the best solution together.
Making Agreements:
- Compromise: Oftentimes, resolving a conflict requires compromises from both sides. Encourage the children to approach each other and find a solution everyone can live with.
- Binding Agreements: Clearly and precisely formulate the agreement. Document it in writing, so everyone can remember it.

Follow-Up and Reflection:
- Regular Checks: Regularly check if the agreement is working and if further adjustments are needed.
- Reflect Together: Encourage everyone to reflect on the conflict and the resolution process. What worked well? What could be done better next time?

Example Conflict: The Dispute Over the Use of Bicycles
1. Describing the Situation:
- Luca explains: "I saw Maria using the bicycle, although it needed repair."
- Maria responds: "I didn't know the bicycle was broken and just wanted to use it briefly."
2. Expressing Feelings:
- Luca: "I feel frustrated because I spent a lot of time on the repair."
- Maria: "I feel bad because I didn't know there was a problem."
3. Finding Solutions:
- The group suggests: "Label the bicycles that need repair," "Use the bicycles only after agreement."
- Evaluating and Choosing Solutions
- The group decides to put signs on the bicycles that need repair and maintain a list of those responsible for the repairs.
4. Making Agreements
- The agreement is: "We will put signs on the bicycles that need repair. Use only with approval."
- The group meets again after a week to check if the new rule is working and if everyone is satisfied.

Tips for Preventing Conflicts
1. Promote Communication: Encourage open and respectful communication. Create an environment where everyone feels safe expressing their opinions.
2. Share Responsibility: Distribute tasks and responsibilities fairly to avoid injustices and misunderstandings.
3. Team-building Activities: Regularly engage in team-building activities to strengthen trust and cohesion.
4. Respect Cultural Differences: Foster understanding and respect for the diverse cultures and backgrounds of your team members. Organize cultural exchange programs to share your traditions and customs.

By implementing these strategies and methods, you can learn to resolve conflicts constructively and form a harmonious and productive community. Respectful interactions and the ability to compromise are the "golden" keys to the long-term success of your new Bank of Hope.