Project: The P.O.S.S.I.B.L.E Growth Mindset Initiative
As an organization, we strongly believe in ensuring that every child deserves to have access and support to develop, learn, play and thrive regardless of where they are from. Research has proved that a change in mindset from a fixed to a growth mindset can positively influence both a child’s academic and personal development.
In an initiative, we designed an educational board game we call P.O.S.S.I.B.L.E.—World of Mindsets to help teach students about mindsets in a fun and interactive way with their peers. The game is designed to be played in a wide range of environments including but not limited to the classroom, playrooms, home and community settings as long as they are safe learning spaces.
P.O.S.S.I.B.L.E World of Mindsets
P.O.S.S.I.B.L.E.—World of Mindsets is a fun, interactive board game that teaches kids (ages 5-18) about the power of growth and fixed mindsets. Through play and discussion, kids learn how their mindset affects their learning and social skills, building resilience and creativity.
The board game is designed and locally manufactured by Ndahaci Design House with principles of sustainability in mind, with more than 50% of materials used being recycled.
Train the P.O.S.S.I.B.L.E Way Program
This Tot program was designed to train educators, parents and student peers/mentors to be facilitators and custodians of their children’s mindsets and growth.
This program was developed with the support of Carrie Hall, a Senior Operations Manager at Lumen Technologies who volunteers with us.
Facilitator Training
Empowering facilitators to support a growth mindset in child development effectively. The core concepts:
The Power of Yet
Growth vs Fixed Mindset
Learned Helplessness vs Learned Optimism
Neuroplasticity
Project P.O.S.S.I.B.L.E
Facilitator’s Roles
Your role is pivotal to the success of the intervention.
As the Facilitator, you are a:
Guide:
Explain rules clearly and ensure fair play.
Facilitator of Discussion:
Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and thoughtful reflection without judgment.
Safe Space Creator:
Establish and maintain a respectful, inclusive, and emotionally safe environment where all feelings are valid.
Concept Reinforcer:
Connect gameplay directly to the core psychological concepts (mindsets, learned helplessness/optimism, neural plasticity).
Empathy Modeler:
Demonstrate empathy and active listening to all players.
Time Manager:
Keep the game moving at an appropriate pace while allowing for sufficient discussion.
Resource:
Be prepared to offer additional insights or (if trained) direct to further support if a player expresses significant distress.
Facilitators Manage Challenges:
Encouraging Participation
Facilitators model enthusiasm to set a positive tone and encourage shy or disengaged children to participate actively.
Supportive Prompting
When children say ‘I don’t know’ or stay silent, facilitators use gentle questioning and give time to think.
Handling Disruptions
Redirect silly responses to thoughtful alternatives and address conflicts with respect, listening, and empathy.
Supporting Personal Sharing
Children sharing personal stories are met with kindness and confidentiality to maintain trust.
Growth Mindset Clubs
The Growth Mindset clubs that we set up in our partner schools are student-led eco-systems within the schools that have the mandate to recruit and engage fellow students in activities and group session that involve STEM, creativity and innovation under the guidance of a Patron Teacher.