
Dedicated to connecting people in a world of need, Crossroads Foundation is non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong with four areas of focus
Dedicated to connecting people in a world of need, Crossroads Foundation is non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong with four areas of focus
The Global X-periences immerse visitors in simulations of pressing global issues. The Trail of World Need is one such experience located in the heart of Crossroads Foundation.
The Trail, along with its guidebook, takes people through a series of shipping containers, each highlighting a pressing global need. In each container, families, schools, and other groups read a story, reflect on questions, and explore the "How to Help" section. The journey ends in the Trail Hub, where visitors are encouraged to reflect and brainstorm further actions to address these issues.
A key component of the Trail is that it not only brings attention to these global needs but equips visitors with actionable ways to make a difference.
The Global X-periences immerse visitors in simulations of pressing global issues. The Trail of World Need is one such experience located in the heart of Crossroads Foundation.
The Trail, along with its guidebook, takes people through a series of shipping containers, each highlighting a pressing global need. In each container, families, schools, and other groups read a story, reflect on questions, and explore the "How to Help" section. The journey ends in the Trail Hub, where visitors are encouraged to reflect and brainstorm further actions to address these issues.
A key component of the Trail is that it not only brings attention to these global needs but equips visitors with actionable ways to make a difference.
The Global X-periences immerse visitors in simulations of pressing global issues. The Trail of World Need is one such experience located in the heart of Crossroads Foundation.
The Trail, along with its guidebook, takes people through a series of shipping containers, each highlighting a pressing global need. In each container, families, schools, and other groups read a story, reflect on questions, and explore the "How to Help" section. The journey ends in the Trail Hub, where visitors are encouraged to reflect and brainstorm further actions to address these issues.
A key component of the Trail is that it not only brings attention to these global needs but equips visitors with actionable ways to make a difference.

My Work on the Trail
My Work on the Trail
Research & Planning
Crossroads' experience and involvement in aiding global need informed a lot of the research. However, it was vital to us that we portray these pressing issues accurately and respectfully so a lot of time was put towards research and understanding where, why, and how these issues come about, who is affected, and what actions can make a difference.
Research & Planning
Crossroads' experience and involvement in aiding global need informed a lot of the research. However, it was vital to us that we portray these pressing issues accurately and respectfully so a lot of time was put towards research and understanding where, why, and how these issues come about, who is affected, and what actions can make a difference.



Material Sourcing & Building
As we built the containers, I kept these people and their stories in the forefront of my mind. Every decision was guided by the question: "What story are we trying to tell?" to ensure that a clear and accurate message would be coming across.
However, because these situations can be extreme and intense, a particular challenge was navigating the line between accuracy and keeping it family friendly.
Material Sourcing & Building
As we built the containers, I kept these people and their stories in the forefront of my mind. Every decision was guided by the question: "What story are we trying to tell?" to ensure that a clear and accurate message would be coming across.
However, because these situations can be extreme and intense, a particular challenge was navigating the line between accuracy and keeping it family friendly.



The Containers
The Containers

Displacement

Education

Medical

Energy

Poverty

Slavery

Image courtesy: Crossroads Foundation HK
Strong educational experiences are so crucial yet remain out of reach for many
It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to have Wi-Fi and smart devices, let alone basic necessities like school buildings and rooms, electricity, educators, stationary, and furniture. In many rural and underdeveloped areas, rudimentary spaces, such as “Schools Under a Tree” are the only places students can gather to learn.
As an experienced educator, I know how crucial early and meaningful learning experiences are.
For instance, many jobs today require a level of digital literacy, and while we learn to use devices and software first hand from an early age, those without access to the same resources can quickly be left behind.
Keeping this in mind, we set up this container to convey the experience of learning important skills with limited resources. We hope visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for the incredible resilience of these students and their communities and the importance of education.

Image courtesy: hopeforghana.com

Image courtesy: Richard Appiah Akoto

Image Courtesy of: Crossroads Foundation HK
References:
Mariwah, S. (2021, September 20). Eliminating “schools under trees” and related problems in Ghana: Where is the communal spirit for development? Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/commentary/eliminating-schools-under-trees-and-related-problems-in-ghana-where-is-the-communal-spirit-for-development/2021/

Displacement

Education

Medical

Energy

Poverty

Slavery

Image courtesy: Crossroads Foundation HK
Strong educational experiences are so crucial yet remain out of reach for many
It’s easy to forget how lucky we are to have Wi-Fi and smart devices, let alone basic necessities like school buildings and rooms, electricity, educators, stationary, and furniture. In many rural and underdeveloped areas, rudimentary spaces, such as “Schools Under a Tree” are the only places students can gather to learn.
As an experienced educator, I know how crucial early and meaningful learning experiences are.
For instance, many jobs today require a level of digital literacy, and while we learn to use devices and software first hand from an early age, those without access to the same resources can quickly be left behind.
Keeping this in mind, we set up this container to convey the experience of learning important skills with limited resources. We hope visitors come away with a deeper appreciation for the incredible resilience of these students and their communities and the importance of education.

Image courtesy: hopeforghana.com

Image courtesy: Richard Appiah Akoto

Image Courtesy of: Crossroads Foundation HK
References:
Mariwah, S. (2021, September 20). Eliminating “schools under trees” and related problems in Ghana: Where is the communal spirit for development? Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/commentary/eliminating-schools-under-trees-and-related-problems-in-ghana-where-is-the-communal-spirit-for-development/2021/

Impact
Impact
Impact
239,813 people
239,813 people
have participated in and been moved by the X-periences since 2005:
have participated in and been moved by the X-periences since 2005:
have participated in and been moved by the X-periences since 2005:
"I am alive, but I'll never be the same again."
— World Economic Forum staff after participation
"There is no other place in Hong Kong where our children can have an experience like this"
— A Hong Kong teacher
"Everyone should do this"
— Jimmy Wales (Founder of Wikipedia)
"This simulation showed me some of the stressful and frightening situations faced by refugees around the world. I understand how important it is to continue to support crises even when the conflict is 'over'."
"I used to see global issues as mere news to chat about with my friends, never relating them to myself. This experience has changed my perspective on the refugee crises and I consider the situation with newfound compassion."
"I am alive, but I'll never be the same again."
— World Economic Forum staff after participation
"There is no other place in Hong Kong where our children can have an experience like this"
— A Hong Kong teacher
"Everyone should do this"
— Jimmy Wales (Founder of Wikipedia)
"This simulation showed me some of the stressful and frightening situations faced by refugees around the world. I understand how important it is to continue to support crises even when the conflict is 'over'."
"I used to see global issues as mere news to chat about with my friends, never relating them to myself. This experience has changed my perspective on the refugee crises and I consider the situation with newfound compassion."
3,500+ visitors
3,500+ visitors
in the ToWN since it opened in 2022
in the ToWN since it opened in 2022
in the ToWN since it opened in 2022
from
schools
from
schools
from
schools
1,853
1,853
1,853
from
NGOs
from
NGOs
from
NGOs
190
190
190
from
corporate
groups
from
corporate
groups
from
corporate groups
126
126
126
others
others
others
1,298
1,298
1,298
Visitors from schools made up the majority of visitors some of whom began fundraisers and projects after completing the trail.
Visitors from schools made up the majority of visitors some of whom began fundraisers and projects after completing the trail.
The trail also brings attention to the Global Goals / Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations










for more about CRF's impact globally and locally,
see their Annual Reports
for more about CRF's impact globally and locally,
see their Annual Reports


I’m currently working on redesigning one of
Crossroad’s GoodCity Apps
I’m currently working on redesigning one of
Crossroad’s GoodCity Apps
I’m currently working on redesigning one of
Crossroad’s GoodCity Apps
Keep an eye on this space
Keep an eye on this space
Keep an eye on this space
©2024 Tamara Sher. All Rights Reserved.
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Let’s do this!
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©2024 Tamara Sher. All Rights Reserved.
Ready to work together?
Let’s do this!
click email to copy
©2024 Tamara Sher. All Rights Reserved.
Ready to work together?
Let’s do this!
click email to copy
©2024 Tamara Sher. All Rights Reserved.
Ready to work together?
Let’s do this!
click email to copy