THE GLOBAL WORK REBEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND, FUN, RIOT AND MENTORING INITIATIVE
The Global Work Rebel Scholarship Fund, Fun, Riot And Mentoring Initiative is an ongoing collaboration programme that I in 2021 started with Hakalahden koulu, my old junior high school in the tiny western coastal town of Kokkola, Finland, where I was born, and where I attended middle school from grades 7 to 9.
The Global Work Rebel Scholarship is given annually to one graduating 9th grade student, selected by the faculty members of Hakalahti school. Unlike most scholarships, however, THE GWR is not based on grades, academic excellence, professional promise or even good behavior but the most important criteria are an ability to rightfully question authorities, kindly challenge status quo, ask silly questions, be absolutely humane, believe in kindness and stay forever curious.
The very first GWR Scholarship recipient was chosen in 2022, followed by 2023, 2024 and now 2025. It’s not really about money but conversations. All four current GWR recipients – the latest one, a talented young artist included – are participating in GWR mentoring programme that hopefully, probably and likely will go on for years and decades to come or at least until the day I die.
The Global Work Rebel Scholarship Fund, Fun, Riot And Mentoring Initiative also includes various forms of collaborations with the current faculty and student body of my former junior high school. Our latest project included 129 ninth grade students who participated in work shops and debates regarding to topics related to studying, life, sustainability, equality, work, climate crisis, bullying and future.
The next GWR Scholarship recipient will be selected in June of 2026.
Meanwhile the GWR Initiative is ongoing and will never be completed.