Inspiring young voices for sustainability: A case study by Odyssey Nursery

Dubai’s Odyssey Nursery shines on the global stage for its work as part of a worldwide project to amplify young children’s voices and perspectives.

Dubai’s Odyssey Nursery has been recognised for its pioneering sustainability case study, ‘Inspiring Young Voices for Sustainability’. This exciting project, part of the ‘Voices of Children’ initiative by the Bright Start Foundation and University College London (UCL), puts children’s creativity and perspectives at the heart of global discussions on sustainability.

Young voices

Odyssey Nursery is the only Dubai-based early years setting chosen for this prestigious research, which aims to revolutionise early childhood education by placing young children’s voices, experiences and cultural diversity at its core. The research includes case studies, virtual art galleries and physical manifestos, highlighting how creative arts can empower kids as agents of sustainable change. 

Sustainability

At Odyssey, sustainability isn’t just a concept – it’s woven into everyday learning. Rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, the nursery nurtures little learners’ connection to nature and encourages hands-on exploration. The journey to this acclaimed case study began with simple but profound questions from the children about what we can do to help our planet. Their curiosity sparked a series of engaging discussions and artistic projects, allowing them to express their hopes and concerns about environmental issues.

The power of art

From paintings of a ‘happy Earth’ to thought-provoking illustrations of pollution and nature conservation, the little learners’ artwork tells a powerful story. Jahan painted a vibrant, healthy planet, symbolising collective care. Filippo depicted an Earth struggling with pollution but held onto hope for change. Isabella’s drawing urged people not to litter, while Laura’s artwork promoted cycling to reduce pollution. Each piece carries a strong message, proving that even the youngest voices can inspire action.

“Witnessing our children express their ideas and seeing their voices valued on such a global platform fills me with immense joy and pride,” says Hoda El Naddaf, Reggio Director of Odyssey Nursery and author of the case study. “Children often communicate the most complex ideas in the simplest ways. It is our responsibility to provide them with a creative platform to express themselves from an early age, as this fosters a future generation that can think critically, solve problems creatively and approach challenges with empathy and innovation – skills that are essential for the future of humanity,” she adds.

A big impact

As part of this initiative, Odyssey children’s artwork was showcased in ‘The Voices of Children Virtual Gallery’ alongside contributions from 1,000 children across seven countries. Their work was also exhibited at UCL East in London, giving them a well-deserved place on the global stage.

Through initiatives like this, Odyssey Nursery is proving that young children have the power to influence change. Their creativity, passion and insight serve as a reminder that a sustainable future starts with the voices of today’s youngest generation. By embedding environmental awareness into early years education, the nursery is not just teaching kids about sustainability – it’s inspiring them to become active participants in protecting our planet.

Image Credit: Odyssey Nursery