We bridges the gap between local and global society through local commitment and international collaboration
Brighter Smiles aim to bridge the gap between local and
global society through local commitment and international collaboration. We
wish to contribute to the development of thriving communities in Norway and
internationally.
We characterize vibrant and thriving local communities people
feel economic safe-, social belonging- and the sense of committing to something
bigger than themselves. We believe in changemakers that aspire to qualities of
moral leadership.
Brighter Smiles strongly focuses on youth participation, active
citizens, community involvement, society, politics, science and sharing a
culture of evidence-based practices.
Today, working life and education flow more and more into
each other. We need knowledge and competence to adapt, to develop and to
co-create, in the floating worldview we are in now.
Our activities focus on increased work relevance through
close-up collaboration between education and working life locally and
globally, to provide quality and relevant learning for students and lifelong
learners. We expand learners access to impact-driven programmes so that
they can perform internships in formal and non-formal educational
systems, and in the World of Work, both physically and digitally. Through thinking globally, acting locally, and being proactive,
we believe that we can give students and jobseekers the skills and competence
to find their place and thrive in working life, wherever that may be.
Brighter Smiles believe TVET can play a central role in
preparing young people for work-, developing the skills of adults- and
responding to the labour-market needs of social prosperity. We offer a range of
vocational programmes that offer opportunities for all and minimise dropout.
The programmes are linked to workplace training, formal apprenticeships and
alternating on-the-job learning with school-based training. Practical and
work-based vocational programmes are very effective at engaging young people
who have previously become disenchanted by an academic education.
Brighter Smiles challenges the concept of welfare. How can
we define solutions that promote welfare for the individual-, family-, local-
and global community? We aim to transform ideas into policy for a good society.
New indicators through research and development could help change our political
priorities so we can apply good causes for social justice and sustainable
development
The fashion and product design industry holds great potential to address sustainable development challenges. Designers excel in problem-solving and innovation, crucial for achieving sustainable objectives like a sustainable value chain. They possess research skills and a drive for creating solutions, aligning with a social entrepreneurial mindset. Social entrepreneurship fosters local employment and community value. Brighter Smiles collaborates with partners to identify and tackle social and economic challenges, emphasizing sustainable principles and circular economy. We offer advisory services, conduct market research, and provide general advice to social entrepreneurs, guiding them from idea to consumption stages. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to compete and deliver high-quality goods and services sustainably.
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GRANTS
AND FUNDING
Local
governments, their legal entities and entrepreneurs will have to secure their
sources of funding through project applications, which has not been the case so
far. Due to the extremely small number of people who currently have the
competencies to apply for and implement projects, they are all employed on the
projects they lead, and new projects have yet to be independently designed,
applied for, and implemented. Therefore, there is a great demand for persons,
ie knowledge, skills and associated independence and responsibility, which will
ensure this training, whether it is already employed employees or unemployed
persons.
We believe that education and training and lifelong learning must be developed through forging long-lasting cooperation and sharing of good practices both at home and abroad. Through international exposure and cooperation, learners are provided with valuable perspectives that can raise awareness in the broadest sense. Social- and working life has an increasingly multicultural character, and the knowledge, competence and skills that increased internationalization can contribute to is more important than ever.