Anna-Karen (Kuka) Thomassen Hoffmann – Greenland

Anna-Karen “Kuka” Thomassen Hoffmann has been nominated for her outstanding and dedicated work on behalf of children and young people in Greenland. Kuka is dedicated to promoting Greenlandic culture, traditions and understanding of nature among children and young people through camps, workshops and hands-on activities. She creates learning environments where children not only acquire knowledge, but also gain practical experience of how to live in harmony with nature. Activities such as reindeer hunting, fishing and gathering plants teach children about the sustainable use of nature’s resources and respect for ecosystems and biodiversity. A key part of her work is to pass on traditional skills, which are at risk of being lost as urbanisation gathers pace and lifestyles change. She teaches the children how to make use of the whole animal – from the meat to the hide and bones – and how to use nature’s own raw materials to make things like food, clothing and jewellery. These skills make them better able to support themselves and to understand sustainability and resource awareness. Kuka has a holistic approach to climate and environmental issues. Drawing on Greenlandic culture, she explains complex issues such as climate change, pollution and using resources in a way that is direct, relevant and engaging for children and young people. Her approach combines traditional knowledge with modern educational theory and helps develop the participants’ critical thinking and practical skills. Particularly noteworthy is her work on behalf of children and young people in vulnerable situations, including children in care. She gives them access to experiences and communities that strengthen their identity, sense of belonging and understanding of their native culture. Kuka’s work is of great importance – not just for individual children, but for the preservation of Greenland’s cultural heritage and for a sustainable future. Her approach is both innovative and scalable. It combines traditional knowledge with modern communication methods and can be rolled out to other local communities as a model for both preserving cultures and boosting self-sufficiency. She is a true driving force who manages to bring generations together through knowledge, practice and respect for nature.