Mara and DJ in front of a container for the Trail of World Need looking at a scaled-down model of the container together

Set

Design

Set

Design

at

at

CRF Logomark
Mara and DJ in front of a container for the Trail of World Need looking at a scaled-down model of the container together

Set

Design

at

CRF Logomark
Mara and DJ in front of a container for the Trail of World Need looking at a scaled-down model of the container together

Set

Design

at

CRF Logomark

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

CRF Global Distribution Logo

Global Distribution

where need

meets resource

Global Distribution

where need

meets resource

CRFGlobal Handicrafts Logo

Global Handicrafts

fair trade for

a fairer world

Global Handicrafts

fair trade for

a fairer world

CRF Global Hand Logo

Global Hand

partnering

for change

Global

Hand

partnering

for change

Global

Hand

partnering

for change

CRF Global X-perience Logo

Global X-perience

stepping into

another's shoes

Global

X-perience

stepping into

another's shoes

Global X-perience

stepping into

another's shoes

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.

a picture of a model of the containers
a picture of three models of the containers
a picture of inside of the education container model

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.

Mal and Mara using a circular saw to cut wood panels for the slavery container
Mara drilling chicken wire into a wooden post
Mara testing out components of the education container

The Containers

The Containers

the education container logo

Displacement

the education container logo

Education

the education container logo

Medical

the education container logo

Energy

the education container logo

Poverty

the education container logo

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.

a school under a tree in Ghana

Image courtesy: hopeforghana.com

a teacher in Ghana teaching his students Microsoft Word by drawing the UI on a chalkboard

Image courtesy: Richard Appiah Akoto

children drawing in the sand inside the eduation container

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/

the education container logo

Displacement

the education container logo

Education

the education container logo

Medical

the education container logo

Energy

the education container logo

Poverty

the education container logo

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.

a school under a tree in Ghana

Image courtesy: hopeforghana.com

a teacher in Ghana teaching his students Microsoft Word by drawing the UI on a chalkboard

Image courtesy: Richard Appiah Akoto

children drawing in the sand inside the eduation container

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."

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

Crossroads Foundation Logo
Crossroads Foundation Logo

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

download icon

©2024 Tamara Sher. All Rights Reserved.

Ready to work together?

Let’s do this!

click email to copy

download icon

©2024 Tamara Sher. All Rights Reserved.

Ready to work together?

Let’s do this!

click email to copy

download icon