We are inspired by children and their natural ability to creatively express themselves in a way that communicates beyond borders and spans all backgrounds, cultures and ages. This is how Little and LOUD began and how it continues to this day.

About Rhoda Todoran

Fote Village, Solomon Islands 2008

I was born in the Philippines and the first memory that had a big impact occurred when I was about five years old. We were driving around in an air conditioned chauffeured car and we drove by this little boy about my age selling chewing gum by the side of the road. I remember seeing the stark difference between us thinking to myself why he wasn’t in a car like I was and why he was working while I was on my way to school- What made us different from each other?

Several years later we moved to Los Angeles, CA in the USA where I was raised most of my life. After being teased for my accent, I learned to blend in on the outside while keeping my curious nature on the inside. I always questioned everything and became more and more drawn to expressing myself through poetry and art. I would say these two things saved me while growing up. Both a love of literature and art gave me a sense of self that no one could take away – a sense of belonging amongst artists, writers and characters who thought and felt as I did.

After traveling the world in 2004 for almost a year, I found myself living in Sydney, NSW Australia where I met two wonderful women who became my friends and then co-founders of Little and LOUD International in Australia. Little and LOUD was created after Mirjam and Michelle traveled to the Solomon Islands and recounted to me the needs of the school. This instance gave me the opportunity to put into action all that I had dreamnt up of doing – using art and self expression to make a difference.

When I came back to the USA in 2009, I was yet blessed again to meet another two wonderful women who have become friends and together we have formulated Little and LOUD in the USA.

 

About Sarah Grosh

Sarah and some of her students.

When I was a little girl, I had big dreams. I imagined myself as a world famous singer, an award winning veterinarian, an art teacher, an Indian princess. I felt my emotions deep, with my whole being and as a child, compassion for others was something I felt often. Raised in Columbus, Ohio and brought up in the public school system during bussing. I was often aware of the differences that existed simply between myself and my classmates. I remember specifically a boy named Maurice, I liked him, we used to hold hands at recess, but when it was cold he had no coat and his teeth were beginning to rot. I wanted to know why his family did not buy him a coat or take him to the dentist like mine did. As a little girl I recognized the support and encouragement that I was so lucky to have was not something inherent to all children, I thought it was unfair, I wanted to help and I did (a little) I bought him a coat.

As I grew up my goals shifted to being more self-centered. I became more concerned with myself and what I had than with what I had to give.  I was thinking small, very small. It was a time of deep self-doubt and eventually led to a search. My search led me to Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua and Europe. I rediscovered my love of learning and life and human beings. I was revitalized and ready to think BIG again!  When I returned home I began my search for how to make an impact and I found Little and Loud and I finished my education to become an art teacher (which I am now). Through Little and Loud I have been able to merge all of the aspects of life that make me truly happy; people, culture, creativity and learning. Little people are better than anyone at thinking BIG! I am infinitely excited about the possibilities that Little and Loud holds for young people!

About Shibnum Blewett

Shibnum and Loki

For many years, I was part of that ever growing group of The Talkers. Spending long nights around dinner tables, in bars and coffee shops across the world, The Talkers sit and discuss but rarely create and implement. I wanted to turn my membership card in and sign up with The Doers. The thought of helping the world was such a vague and overwhelming idea. I lived with tremendous guilt for not doing more. As a child, I had watched my family overcome Apartheid, in South Africa. Strong women were the only women I knew. In Guernsey (in the English Channel), I went to a school built on top of an old Nazi Gun Emplacement. We listened to WWII stories about the secret messages children sent to the mainland, and the courage of those who died refusing to dismiss their morals or give up their homes. We moved to the USA, and another story awaited in Florida. The story of Cuba, Haiti, hurricanes and the destruction of the environment. I protested building homes on wildlife preserves, advocated the need for aid in Haiti and changed nothing.

At 25, I live in Columbus, Ohio. I listen to the stories around me in Columbus and in the places I have traveled. When I met Rhoda and Sarah, the tradition of strong women in my life continued. I packed my bags for an adventure in Den Haag, but when I returned something had changed. I had changed. I began working with Rhoda and Sarah in Little and Loud USA. I am still a talker, but I am a doer too. I worked with the CDF Freedom Schools over the summer which helped me see the strong link between a child’s success and a community’s growth. A link I hope the community will also see. I want to work with children of all social and cultural backgrounds, so together we can help grow and create a sustainable community. Today I know that Little and Loud wasn’t a choice, it was a calling.