How can educators recognise and build on the strengths children gain from adversity? What happens when teachers shift from seeing deficits to seeing potential? How are children changing their own narratives with the support of educators?

In this episode, Nina explores children’s resilience and the strength they gain from living in difficult circumstances.

Nina first speaks with Gabriele Paone, a researcher in Oxford in the UK who studies how children in high-stress environments in different parts of the world develop strengths that are often overlooked. Gabriele focuses not on what students lack, instead recognising how they adapt, cope, and grow in the face of adversity. “Shifting from a deficit perspective to an adaptive one encourages educators to see potential strengths in differences”, Gabriele says.

Nina then speaks with Murimi Nyaga, known as Turi, a teacher and Teach For Kenya fellow working in Machakos, Kenya. Turi teaches in a rural community where students face family hardships, poverty, and emotional challenges. Despite this, he has seen students thrive when given support and creative outlets. Through projects like arts and music, children are building confidence and discovering hidden talents. “The learners that have been engaged in the project have gained esteem”, Turi says. “They're able to take up responsibilities. They're able to take up leadership in the school.”

Finally, Nina talks with Gilson Penha, a teacher and coordinator in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Gilson works in schools that serve neighbourhoods impacted by inequality and violence. Gilson developed a story with Turi’s students about a young warrior who uses a magical spear to free his people from oppression. This story helped his students see themselves as protagonists of a story of change. “I really believe that education can change the social context within our neighborhood, within our community”, says Gilson.

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