All children and young people growing up empowered, confident and joyful in a supportive environment and a society that gives them a voice. This is how Pro Juventute describes its vision, which is reflected in the new stamps.
The motto of the current charity stamp from Pro Juventute is “Growing up is fun”. In answering the question of how illustrator
and mother Rahel Winiger was guided by Goethe’s words about giving children “roots and wings”. This motto has been the mainstay of the entire stamp project, as well as being a pertinent guideline for their day to day family life.
Playful typography in a child’s handwriting
To produce the font, the illustrator teamed up with her eight- year-old daughter for a very special codesign. “Letting children help strengthens their self efficacy and is great fun,” says Winiger. The playful handwriting gives the stamps a wonderful lightness and fits perfectly with the concept of the set.
Empowering
On the first stamp, a girl gazes out at us, her look filled with confidence and inner strength. Winiger explains the symbolism: “A child with strong roots is like a mighty tree they have a strong framework to freely develop their potential”.
The parents’ hands at the edge of the image provide support and are reminiscent of a protective nest. The “wings” symbolize freedom but can also be interpreted as leaves, which represent growth. The newspaper hat is a sign of childish creativity and links this design with the second stamp design.
Exploring
Four children sail in a paper boat towards the future. Each child is playing their part in the success of the adventure by studying the treasure map or looking through the telescope and the focus is on orientation and looking to the future with optimism.
The anchor lies ready for any necessary pauses during approaching storms. The scene presents a wonderful message: caregivers function as a safe harbour and give children the feeling of being protected as they find their way independently through life’s adventures.
