lilipad workshops

Creative storytelling workshops where children build confidence, language, and belonging.

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. 

Be part of the solution

“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

Creativity is our method for encouraging self-expression and exploration. 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. 

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. Their 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, where children can see their work taken seriously. Families and community members are invited to witness what has been created. That recognition builds confidence and encourages children to continue exploring and creating. 

TESTIMONIALS

Hear directly from our facilitators and participants:

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

Watch a video clip from one of our workshops

What this looks like in practice

Our workshops take different forms depending on the context. 

Some are part of long-term library programming while others are special collaborations. Each workshop aims to invite children to learn and create together. 

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