“Designed Humanely” gala speech
Below I put my “Designed Humanly” gala speech, where my project cityforchildren.pl receiving the Readers’ Choice Award.
It all started eight years ago with my daughter. I wanted to understand why she didn’t want to go to school alone. We explored the city’s infrastructure together – we walked, used trams and buses, and rode bikes. We talked, and she photographed what she saw at her height.
What I saw from her perspective moved me deeply. I realised that adults often threaten children’s sense of safety the most.
Later, I continued this research with other children. I shared my findings with adults at conferences.
I wrote articles and led workshops for children and for adults. This year, I published my book The City Game: A Guide for Young Explorers. I’m curious to see where this project will lead next.
One day, my daughter finally told me why she did not want to walk alone. She said no one would kiss her goodbye in the cloakroom. So I kept walking her to school.
Once, I accompanied her. Today, she is sixteen and accompanies me at this gala. I feel full of pride and gratitude..
This award, and her presence here, remind me of something important. The most meaningful projects grow from love and care for others, because those two always go hand in hand.
Thank you.
Photo: Dawid Żuchowicz / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
The cityforchildren.pl project won the “Designed Humanely: Happy Neighborhoods” competition in the “Initiative – Action” category, receiving the Readers’ Choice Award. The competition was co-organized by Wyborcza.pl and Otodom.
