The letters offer a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts and aspirations of young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, united by their love for literature and their desire to shape the world of tomorrow. Some highlights from the letters include:
- Abigail from Nottingham reflects on the importance of living in the moment and cherishing connections with loved ones, emphasising that “the future will hold itself accountable” and urging us to appreciate the present while looking ahead.
- Steinunn Kristín Guðnadóttir from Reykjavik poses thought-provoking questions about the future, asking if future generations can relate to the experiences of today and whether they will recognize the world we live in now.
- Oleksandra from Odesa, a refugee from Kherson, expresses her fears and hopes amid turmoil, longing for peace and a brighter future. She writes with raw emotion about believing in a better tomorrow and the importance of family and connection.
Curious to dive deeper into the inspiring messages crafted by these young writers and more? Keep reading.
Nikolīne from Tukums writes a Letter to the Future
Tukums, Latvia
“In an era where everyone is becoming almost the same, we are still different, so don’t lose your traditions! Because what is from the past can survive the ever-faster changing trends, opinions, and views.” – A teenager from the past, Nikolīne from the small town of Tukums, Latvia, in 2024.
Abigail from Nottingham writes a Letter to the Future
Nottingham, UK
“‘My future will not copy
fair my past’
but I will be proud of the
person it has let me become.” – Abigail Hutchison Nottingham, UK in 2024.
Multiple authors from Heidelberg write a Letter to the Future
Heidelberg, Germany
“Dear future…if half the people are scared– like me –when they think about you, then … maybe you’re scared of yourself?” – Ronja from Heidelberg in 2024.
“It is fascinating to imagine what the world could look like in a million years’ time, not only in terms of its appearance, but also in terms of cultural and social structures.” – Mariann from Heidelberg in 2024.
“Dear future self…Please forgive me for asking my unknown future for favours when it is I who must write my own destiny.” – Lilli from Heidelberg in 2024.
“Will you take my hand and find the exit together? Are you my future?” – Franka from Heidelberg in 2024.
Linus from Seattle writes a Letter to the Future
Seattle
“Dear Future,…Today I will start chipping away at the person I want to become. And of course, all the while, I will be thinking of you. For I refuse to forget what’s possible with you.” – Linus Elkins from Seattle in 2024.
Camilla from Milan writes a Letter to the Future
Milan, Italy
“Dear Youth of the Future, read with passion and curiosity! Explore libraries, flip through yellowed pages, and immerse yourself in words.” – Camilla Dona’ Dalle Rose from Milan in 2024.
Éire Ní Fhaoláin from Dublin writes a Letter to the Future
Dublin, Ireland
“My hope for the future is that people will live to see as many summers as possible, lingering in the warmth of existence and allowing it all to wash over them.” – Éire Ní Fhaoláin from Dublin in 2024.
Kristín from Reykjavik writes a Letter to the Future
Reykjavik, Iceland
“Is someone there? You open a book, from my time and read about week-end trips and traffic. Can you relate?” – Steinunn Kristín Guðnadóttir from Reykjavik in 2024.
Pia from Ljubljana writes a Letter to the Future
Ljubljana, Slovenia
“I do not know what progress looks like, I only know we made it wear a face that is not right, and I do not know how to make the times better, mine and yours.” – Pia Prezelj from Ljubljana in 2024.
Oleksandra from Odesa writes a Letter to the Future
Odesa, Ukraine
“Future, please, be gentle with us. No, never mind, forget about what i said, you’re free—be whatever you’re willing to be. Just simply promise to be.” – Shvied Oleksandra (Sashenka Chainka) from Odesa (refugee from Kherson), Ukraine in 2024.
Multiple authors from Jakarta write a Letter to the Future
Jakarta, Indonesia
“…
one message for any of you who’re reading this. whatever you guys are facing any problem with yourself or the world I’m rooting for you guys and always will!” – Raia Sydney Fatina from Depok, Indonesia in 2024.
“My message is first, always be passionate about worship, even in the circumstances you are experiencing.” – Romi Maulana from Cianjur, Indonesia in 2024.
“Hey young people, do you know that we are the successors of the nation if not us then who else? A familiar saying says that “today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders”.” – Siti Aripah from Cianjur, Indonesia in 2024.
Read the complete letters from these authors and more here!
Nele and Leyla from Bremen write a Letter to the Future
Bremen, Germany
“but when I ride past the forest
where the water stood so high
that only the top thirty centimeters
of swings and jungle gyms stand
above the water line,
the fear returns for a second
” – Nele Miesner from Grasberg and Leyla Bektas from Bremen in 2024.
These letters not only showcase the incredible talent of young writers but also provide valuable insights into the concerns and aspirations of today’s youth. The “Letters to the Future” initiative proves that when we bring youth to the table, we open up a world of possibilities and fresh perspectives. It’s a powerful reminder that the future belongs to the young, and their voices deserve to be heard, celebrated, and amplified.
Join us in celebrating the voices of the next generation and let their words inspire you to think about your own message to the future!