Lucia Kennedy wants to help thousands of children across the world achieve their dreams.
The Christchurch 12-year-old has enlisted the help of some well-known New Zealanders, written a book, created a website, commissioned a song, and set up a mentoring programme to support her cause.
The Take a Chance project was developed by Lucia after she had to create a personal project for her school Selwyn House.
She came up with the idea to encourage children to achieve their dreams after hearing lots of people dismissing her dream of becoming a famous tennis player.
“I know this has happened to other kids. I just want other kids’ dreams to happen.”
The stories of more than 20 people, including Canterbury rugby assistant coach Tabai Matson, photojournalist Rob Tucker, Saatchi and Saatchi chief executive Kevin Roberts, Weta Digital general manager Tom Greally, Masterchef winner Brett McGregor and Rodney Wayne Hairdressing founder Rodney Wayne, feature in the book.
They all told Lucia what their dreams were and what empowered them to fulfil those dreams.
She has included these interviews in the book to inspire children to take a chance on their dreams.
“I want my big dream to go beyond fantasy. I don’t want to just have dreams in my sleep.”
Lucia said she was surprised that everyone she had asked wanted to be a part of the project.
Her project has also gained international attention after she spoke in front of 300 influential business leaders from across the world at the Rutherford Innovation Showcase at Te Papa in Wellington last month. After her talk she was approached by two managers from technology company Intel, who wanted to support her project and gave her a computer.
Lucia also planned to create a charity to pay for coaching, resources and mentors for children aged between 8 and 16.
The book, The Take a Chance Project, Dreams Beyond Reality will be launched on November 13, Lucia’s birthday, and can be ordered for $20 on website takeachance.co.nz.
- Source: Stuff.co.nz
- Image: layoutsparks.com