lilipad culture
Events for children to share their ideas and imaginations with their community.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
Many of the children we work with have experienced disruption in some form or another - whether to their schooling, language, or stability. Some are waiting for access to school, while others are navigating trauma, new languages, and unfamiliar systems. Traditional literacy programmes often focus on reading levels alone, but literacy is also emotional, cultural, and relational.
When children are given space to create, they begin to see themselves as capable, expressive, and heard. They realise that they can go beyond listening to others’ stories, to sharing their own.
A joint report by UNICEF and the German Institute for Human Rights has highlighted that many refugee accommodation settings are not designed with children’s developmental needs in mind.
Creative, child-centred spaces are not optional, they are essential. Every child deserves the space to learn through creating, and the sense of self that comes along with it.
“The workshops offered a creative space where children could explore, experiment, and feel proud of what they created.”
Taha
Artist & Workshop Facilitator
OUR APPROACH
Creative practice
Children work with professional artists and trained facilitators across rap, poetry, photography, calligraphy, theatre, and music. We combine heritage art forms with contemporary expression so children can explore identity in ways that feel relevant and empowering. Creativity is not treated as an add-on. It is the method.
Trauma-Informed Facilitation
Our sessions are structured, predictable, and emotionally safe. Facilitators are trained to recognise stress responses and create environments where children can participate at their own pace. Expression is invited — never forced.
Cultural Connection
Language and culture are assets. Workshops often incorporate children’s mother tongues, artistic traditions, and lived experiences. This strengthens identity while supporting multilingual literacy. Belonging and learning go hand in hand.
Public Sharing
Where appropriate, workshops culminate in recordings, exhibitions, performances, or small celebrations. Children see their work taken seriously. Families and community members are invited to witness what has been created. Recognition builds confidence.
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I didn’t know I could write a song. When we recorded it, I felt proud.
Participant
Age 11
The library is a crucial space for children who have not yet been granted access to school. Through workshops, they build skills before entering the classroom.
Kids Coordinator
Berlin
My daughter talks about the workshops all week. She feels confident sharing what she created.
Parent
ADD INFO
What this looks like in practice
Our workshops take different forms depending on context.
Some are part of long-term library programming. Others are special collaborations or festival moments. Each project reflects the children and community it serves.
Donate
Keep our libraries running
Your support helps ensure children continue to have access to spaces where their language, curiosity, and imagination are taken seriously.
