"SDG 9 – Talent Hunt: Unrecognized Children Driving Innovation and Infrastructure"

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To discover and nurture hidden talents among children who are not part of mainstream platforms — especially those from underprivileged, rural, or less-visible backgrounds — and to channel their creativity and skills toward innovation and development.

Step-by-Step Plan

1. Outreach and Awareness

Visit government schools, informal education centers, orphanages, street schools, or slum areas.

Partner with NGOs, local community leaders, and teachers to identify potential participants.

Create simple posters or conduct orientation sessions in local languages to encourage participation.

2. Categories of Talent to Explore

Innovation and Creativity: Problem-solving ideas, handmade inventions, recycled models.

Technical Skills: Repairing electronics, mobile use, basic programming, mechanical ability.

Art and Design: Drawing, crafts, sculpture using local or waste material.

Communication Skills: Storytelling, idea pitching, public speaking.

Science and Nature Projects: Small experiments, farming hacks, natural solutions.

Music and Performing Arts: Local instruments, folk performance, beatboxing, etc.

3. Talent Hunt Activities

Organize local-level events: village, town, school cluster.

Use hands-on tasks rather than written tests (e.g., “Build something useful with sc**p,” “Draw your dream machine,” “Solve a daily life problem with a model”).

Allow group participation to help shy children show skills through teamwork.

4. Judging and Encouragement

Focus on creativity, problem-solving, and practical thinking, not perfect language or presentation.

Invite local innovators, teachers, and technical persons as judges.

Give positive feedback and tokens of appreciation (certificates, notebooks, simple tools).

5. Support and Follow-up

Help connect the most promising students to:

Local polytechnic or vocational centers.

Innovation competitions like science fairs or STEM clubs.

Mentors or small scholarships.

Document their work through photos or short videos to share with schools, local government, or education platforms.

Why This Matters

These children may never get a chance to display their talents in traditional school exams or competitions.

Their fresh and local ideas can contribute to grassroots innovation and practical infrastructure improvements.

Promoting their abilities fulfills the SDG goal by including everyone in the journey of innovation and resilient development.

@Shaista-Begum

"This initiative is truly commendable! Identifying and nurturing hidden talents among underprivileged children can be a game-changer for their future and the community. Your step-by-step plan, focusing on outreach, awareness, and diverse talent categories, is well-structured and inclusive. By partnering with local organizations and using simple, accessible methods, you're increasing the chances of reaching and empowering talented children who might otherwise go unnoticed. The emphasis on creativity, technical skills, art, communication, and science can help these children develop valuable skills and confidence. I hope this initiative makes a significant impact and brings about positive change in the lives of these young talents.

@Shaista-Begum
This is a truly inspiring and impactful initiative!
Your step-by-step plan demonstrates deep thought and genuine commitment to inclusivity. Reaching out to underrepresented children and valuing hands-on creativity over conventional measures is exactly what education and innovation need today. By focusing on local talents, practical problem-solving, and community-driven mentorship, you're not just uncovering hidden potential you’re empowering the next generation of changemakers. This approach beautifully aligns with the spirit of SDG 4 and 9. Bravo for creating such meaningful pathways!

@HIBAT72f789a882 Determine the types of talents to be showcased. This could include singing, dancing, acting, playing musical instruments, painting, writing, public speaking, or even academic skills like quizzing or debating.

@Mariya-Rajpar Choose a date that works for most students and faculty and secure a suitable venue, like an auditorium or gymnasium.

@HIBAT72f789a882 Involve students, teachers, and possibly parents to handle various aspects of the event, such as publicity, registration, stage setup, and judging.

@Mariya-Rajpar Create clear guidelines for participation, including age groups, categories, and any specific requirements for each talent.

@HIBAT72f789a882

Yes, the aim is to shift focus from formal benchmarks to real, lived skills and creativity. When we empower children through recognition and opportunity, we’re not just changing their lives — we’re enriching our communities too. Your support truly means a lot!

@Mariya-Rajpar Your words really resonate with the heart of this project. It's time to reimagine education through the lens of equity, local wisdom, and hands-on learning. Empowering children who often remain unseen is how we unlock true, sustainable progress. I'm grateful for your encouragement and alignment with this vision.

@Shaista-Begum
This initiative is very close to my heart.
Every time I meet a child from a rural or informal background doing something extraordinary with limited resources, I’m reminded of how much brilliance goes unnoticed. Talent is not always found in toppers — it often lives quietly in the corners we forget to look. May this effort grow into a movement that honors all learners and dreamers.

@HIBAT72f789a882 Talent hunts provide a structured environment for students to develop and refine their talents, whether artistic, academic, or athletic.

@Mariya-Rajpar Participating in talent hunts can significantly boost students' self-esteem and self-belief as they receive positive feedback and recognition.

@HIBAT72f789a882 These events offer a platform to showcase skills to a wider audience, potentially leading to further opportunities in the future.

@HIBAT72f789a882 Overcoming stage fright and receiving positive feedback can significantly boost a student's self-esteem.

@Mariya-Rajpar Talent hunts encourage students to think outside the box and express their creativity in unique ways.

@HIBAT72f789a882 Talent hunts provide opportunities for students to interact with their peers and build social connections.

@Mariya-Rajpar Talent hunts provide opportunities for students to interact with their peers and build social connections.

@Shaista-Begum Shaista, this is truly inspiring — a beautiful blend of vision, compassion, and action.
Your initiative gives voice to the unseen brilliance that exists in every corner of our society — especially in children who are often overlooked simply because they don’t fit the "mainstream" mold.

@Shaista-Begum I love how this plan goes beyond competition — it’s about recognition, empowerment, and opportunity.
The categories you’ve included reflect a wide and inclusive lens of talent — not just academics, but creativity, practical intelligence, local skills, and expressive arts.
And your focus on hands-on tasks, local languages, and teamwork creates a safe and encouraging space for every child to shine.

@Shaista-Begum This isn't just a talent hunt — it's a hope hunt. You're building bridges between potential and possibility, and that’s exactly what SDG 9 stands for: innovation for all, from all.