Who we are
Every child deserves access to safe, encouraging spaces where they can expand their imaginations and explore their own creativity. We came together through our shared belief in the power of libraries to serve as these places of care and inspiration.
How we work
We create shared library spaces within community settings that act as creative learning environments, where children build confidence through storytelling, exploration, and self-directed activity. lilipad librarians support children to develop communication and critical thinking skills through everyday practice, while our cultural programmes and workshops focus on self-expression, creativity, digital literacy, and building confidence.
Our values
Children as Authors
Every child has the right to be the author of their own story. We create spaces where children shape how they see themselves and how they are seen by others.
Nothing About Us Without Us
Communities are not recipients of our work — they are partners in shaping it. Decisions should never be made for people without the meaningful participation of those they affect.
Radical Possibility
Potential exists everywhere, even when opportunity does not. We work to expand what is possible so that every child has the freedom to shape their own future.
Intersectionality
We recognise that no child experiences the world through a single identity. People’s lives are shaped by intersecting systems of power, privilege and oppression, and we design our work to reflect that reality.
Our leadership team
Founder & managing director (Berlin / Casablanca)
Sara Arsalane
Sara Arsalane is the founder and Managing Director of lilipad. Originally from Morocco, she founded the organisation in Berlin in 2017 while working in tech and oversaw its growth from a grassroots initiative run only by volunteers to the organisation it is today. In 2023, she left the tech sector to commit full-time to lilipad.
Today, she leads the development of new programmes and partnerships and oversees fundraising, communications and research. Underpinning this is a longstanding interest in how intersecting circumstances beyond a child’s control can shape what becomes possible later in life, and the role culture and informal education can play in changing that.
Country lead germany (BERLIN)
Jana Gebhard
Jana is lilipad’s Country Lead for Germany, as well as a writer, filmmaker and educational facilitator. She first joined lilipad as a volunteer before becoming a workshop facilitator and eventually taking on the leadership of its work in Germany.
Today, she leads lilipad’s educational programming across the country, working closely with local partner institutions and contributing to the development and fundraising of new projects. Her own practice explores the role of storytelling in children’s emotional well-being, with a particular interest in how creative writing and art can help children process their experiences and build confidence.
Country Lead Morocco (RABAT)
Rachida Akdaich
Rachida Akdaich is lilipad’s Country Lead for Morocco. She leads the organisation’s work across the country, overseeing its programmes and partnerships with child protection centres and cultural institutions, while contributing to fundraising and the development of new projects.
She brings nine years of experience in the development sector, with a particular background in education. Before joining lilipad, she led projects for Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and The Munathara Initiative, working with institutions across Morocco on education and youth programmes.
Our board
Chair
Paul Fowler
Paul is an education tech leader and co-founder of lilipad. With over a decade of experience in strategy and communications and a deep understanding of the education sector, he guides lilipad’s organizational direction, communications, and partnerships.
Vice Chair
Nicky Böhm
Nicky is a cultural organiser and storyteller based in Berlin with two decades in music and film, including leading community social arts projects at Refuge Worldwide and hosting a radio show that explores diasporic storytelling. She guides lilipad’s community arts projects and brings a strong commitment to access, diversity, and cultural advocacy.
Vice Chair
Aadi Vaidya
Aadi is a C-suite executive and angel investor with expertise in scaling and fundraising tech companies. He runs a consulting practice in Berlin advising startups in scaling and org design. At lilipad, he supports fundraising and growth while advising on our long-term strategy.
The team
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Chifae Laazouzi
Project coordinator, morocco
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Ruhaïna Sissoko
Project coordinator, germany
Azeddine Kouira
Communications Coordinator
Iva Parvanova
co-lead, Community management
Madeleine Stephen
Project Manager, Germany
Join us
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our incredible team.
We’re constantly looking for new members to join us. You can find our open positions below. If you are considering joining our team as a volunteer, please fill out the form below.
Volunteer application formDonate
Keep our libraries running
Your support helps ensure children continue to have access to spaces where their language, curiosity, and imagination are taken seriously.
