Earlier this spring, H&M launched a global initiative to support today’s role models – kids. The new initiative aims to find and empower role models making progress on social equality, sustainability, education, and more.

Now, H&M wants to spotlight these children’s efforts; creating awareness about how the broader community can join their causes and provide additional support via a donation to UNICEF.

H&M continues to champion young changemakers

This summer, the retailer will tell the first of these kids’ stories; each embodying the optimism, collaborative spirit, and free-thinking of a true role model. For example, you will meet:

• Ryan, 11, founder of Ryan’s Recycling Business, says; “The future belongs to those who live in it.”
• Catarina, 13, climate activist, surfer and loudmouth, says; “Kids born in the fire know how to put it out.”
• Jewel, 5, community leader, optimist and provocateur, says; “Don’t fight each other, fight together.”
• Henrique, 12, a different ability champion, says; “Teach the grownups to dream bigger.”
• Stephen, 9, engineer and community hero, says; “Kids don’t know what they can’t do.”

While showcasing the impact these kids are making, H&M also wants to help support children around the world with a donation.

For this reason, 50% of the sales price from a new line of more sustainable T-shirts will go to UNICEF; supporting kids’ causes for a better future. Developed by the H&M Kids design team, the graphic T-shirts are inspired by the new role models. They express some of their wise thoughts, further amplifying their voices. The T-shirt collection is available online from mid-July.

Commenting is Sofia Löfstedt, head of design for H&M Kids. “The lessons kids are teaching us served as the inspiration behind the T-shirt graphics, but they are also timely reminders of the work we all need to do for a better future. It’s been so uplifting and motivating to learn how kids are driving change around the world, in their local communities and beyond. We’re also very happy that the sales of these role models’ T-shirts will support the important work by UNICEF around the world.”

Pernilla Baralt, executive director at UNICEF Sweden, adds; “We are very grateful for this donation to support and empower children and young people around the world. Every child has equal rights, every child can be a role model. Children are experts on their own lives, are brave, and dare to dream. It is time to listen to children and make their voices count.”

Visit the H&M digital platform for inspirational Role Models stories and more information about the initiative.