Project Background
The project, originating within the tourism and hospitality sector, embarked on an ambitious quest to redefine the industry’s image positively. It aimed to highlight the sector as a fertile ground for acquiring socio-emotional skills, which are not only pivotal within the domain but also highly transferable to various other sectors. Through a series of children’s books, each narrative cleverly embeds scenarios that encourage the learning of these vital skills within tourism and hospitality settings, supplemented by reflective backmatter and educational materials.
Artificial intelligence will revolutionise the workforce replacing basic cognitive skills. As such, it is a matter of urgency to prepare our future workforce for an environment that requires soft skills such as socio emotional skills. Soft skills will drive the success of people, because despite sentiment analysis (AI with emotional intelligence), soft skills cannot be replaced by AI. The education system focuses on cognitive skills. Soft skills such as empathy, creativity or agility are neither part of the curriculum nor are there sufficient trained teachers. SocioEmo Skills Scavenger will fill this gap and build on our 2 book series (targeting 5-7 and 8-11-year-olds) written as adventure stories around soft skills.
We tap into neural brain activity research showing that reading results in higher brain functions. However, as kids have diverse learning styles and learn by experience, we want to cater for individual needs by unlocking the potential of each and every child through videos and an adaptive educational game that teaches soft skills. Mastering soft skills is life changing and builds confidence.
Our game will simulate soft skills such as emphathy allowing kids to really feel it. Also, a personalised reward system incorporating personality, moods and cognitive skills will allow to go beyond traditional engagement levels. Our SocioEmo Skill Scavenger will engage children at a level that makes them feel empowered, inspired, and equipped for the future.
As we are developing our project, we have recognised that we could have a much wider user base and will engage many more stakeholders. We see potential benefits for all generations and divserse groups from sports club members to employees in all industries.
Our Books
Dee and Flee at the Theme Park
Dee and Flee at the Theme Park is a brilliant early readers book for ages 5-7 featuring the characters of Dee the dog and Flee the intergalactic flea, written by celebrated picture book author Julia Hubery. This humorous story follows Dee and Flee during Dee’s first day as a Happy Helper at Miles of Smiles Adventure Park. Eager to make a fabulous impression, they have been busy practising their smiles all week – but is that all Dee needs to help visitors have a brilliant day?
The story teaches children about the ups and downs of the day-to-day life of people who work in hospitality and tourism, demonstrating perfectly how respecting people who work in these challenging careers is incredibly important. It also introduces readers to this important sector and the life skills they can learn in hospitality and tourism roles, including communication, patience, empathy and teamwork.
Bright and endearing illustrations by talented illustrator Laura Wood perfectly complement this fun and wacky adventure of teamwork and friendship. The book is completed with fun puzzles, a Q and A section and a glossary of new skills and terms to help children reflect on the story, as well as providing perfect conversation starters for teachers in the classroom.
The Rock
A brilliant Middle Grade book for ages 7-11, Searchlight: The Rock features alien twins Zane and Finola as they travel across the globe to reunite their family. After being forced to flee from their home planet, the twins find themselves on Earth. Dad is lost and Mum is no longer able to teleport, meaning that it is up to the two of them to
reunite the family.
Set in a fictional location, but reminiscent of modern-day Albrigart, the twins need to stay away from people who could cause them harm, people who see them as different or ‘other’. However, the pair do manage to meet various people working in hospitality who help them in their quest introducing young readers to this important sector. Along with providing an engaging, action-packed adventure story, the author Ann Bryant has also introduced many crucial life skills throughout the text including teamwork, empathy and cultural awareness showing how people can gain these skills from travelling and working in the tourism industry.
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