Unveiling Our Past: Igniting Historical Awareness for a Brighter Future

Hello! I’m Howard, a devoted history enthusiast. My journey began with stimulating discussions with my dad and visits to historical sites, fostering a profound appreciation for the past. My passion recently earned me a commendation in the John Locke Global Essay Competition for my exploration of the British Empire's economic impacts on its heartland. At school, I'm deeply involved in Model United Nations (MUN) and contribute as a feature writer for our magazine. My latest piece, 'History of Climate Change,' examines climate epochs and their influence on civilizations. In my downtime, I'm engrossed in Cassius Dio's 'Roman History,' savouring the rich tales of ancient times.

Yet, my passion doesn't stop at mere appreciation. I'm driven by a mission to combat the dwindling historical awareness among younger generations, an effort that echoes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

Quality Education (SDG 4): I advocate for inclusive, equitable quality education that emphasizes history's role in nurturing understanding and critical thinking.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Through educational content creation and outreach, I aim to indirectly support economic growth by cultivating a well-informed, capable populace.

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): By offering educational materials for all ages, I strive to bridge the gap in knowledge and access to historical information.

A recent survey conducted by the University of Barcelona reveals alarming statistics. Almost 20% of 1,200 respondents (aged 17) do not know who their country’s enemy was in WW2, and more than a quarter think Columbus sailed after 1750. Nearly a quarter could not identify Adolf Hitler, and fewer than half could place the Civil War in the correct century. NBC reported that over 1 in 10 respondents (adults under 40) have never heard the word "Holocaust" before. One of the most disturbing revelations, the survey noted, is that 11% of respondents believe Jews caused the Holocaust. Many other sources recorded a broader trend of declining interest in history education. Forbes and NYT both publish articles concerning young people’s increasing ambiguity of basic history.

These data serve as a wake-up call to prompt action against this dangerous trend. History is our cultural anchor, offering insights from the past that shape our present identity. Furthermore, studying history fosters critical thinking, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of today's world. By understanding history, we can replicate our past successes and prevent repeating past mistakes. It is because of that, many studies conclude history as the second most important subject after mathematics. Recognizing the importance of history, I founded “Once Upon History,” an initiative dedicated to publishing children’s history books. Our goal is to ignite a passion for history in the younger generation, promoting early historical awareness to help them grasp the context of the contemporary world.

Our framework is Veritas:

V - Vision- Unveiling a visionary approach to education.

E - Engage- Encouraging students to actively participate.

R - Resourceful- Providing a resourceful environment for learning.

I - Inspire- Sparking inspiration for a lifelong love of learning.

T - Transparent- Creating a transparent and open learning atmosphere.

A - Accessible- Making education accessible to all.

S - Support- Offering significant support for student success.

The first series of our books will cover forty of the greatest military minds in history, providing an insightful look into their strategies and impacts.

As an organization, we have outlined a strategic growth plan, starting with establishing a strong foundation (Phase 1), focusing on creating a significant impact (Phase 2), and then diversifying and expanding our reach (Phase 3).

In conclusion, my journey as a history enthusiast and founder of “Once Upon History” is more than a personal passion; it’s a commitment to shaping a future where history is not just remembered but respected. By aligning our efforts with the Veritas framework, we strive to make history accessible, engaging, and inspiring for the younger generation. Through curriculum enrichment, children’s history books, educational outreach, and family learning experiences, we aim to kindle a flame of curiosity and respect for the past. 

As Winston S. Churchill wisely observed, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Together, let’s embark on this journey to highlight the importance of history, one story at a time, ensuring it becomes a guiding light for generations to come.