A spark can be any type of activity or interest that deeply moves a child (or an adult). It's what gives young people joy and energy, meaning, purpose and direction. It can be a skill or a talent, a commitment to a cause or a person's quality. Research conducted by Benson's Search Institute found 220 different sparks amongst American children and young people, and the largest category in which sparks fall is a creative life - art, music, drama, dance. These sparks need to be nourished and supported, they need to be recognised and celebrated for young people to thrive. According to Benson's "thriving" formula, children need the following three things in order to thrive:
When all these elements are present, children's attainment and engagement in school improve; their compassion for others and sense of purpose raises; violence decreases. Unfortunately, most children don't have access to three spark champions: only half said somebody in their family nourishes their spark, a third had a champion in their school and only a quarter in their broader community. And very few have the opportunities needed to express their spark. To learn more about sparks, and to find yours and help children find their spark, click here.
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