To ignite creativity and self-expression among young children in underprivileged communities, proving that storytelling and art can inspire connection across ages, cultures, and continents.

We combined facilitator training, creative writing activities adapted for early childhood, and hands-on art exercises within the Creative Cycle – Plant • Grow • Harvest framework:

• Plant: Train-the-trainer sessions for local volunteers in collaboration with the MEYFUND Foundation, introducing them to Lilalab’s creative writing methods and early childhood engagement techniques.

• Grow: Three themed weekly workshops using storytelling prompts, songs, and tactile activities to develop language skills, observation, creativity, and teamwork.

• Harvest: A collaborative final activity, reflection on the learning journey, and celebration to strengthen community bonds and children’s confidence.

• Target group: Children aged 4–5 years living at the Agape Children’s Home, Ghana.

• Volunteers: Local young adults trained by Lilalab to facilitate creative writing and art activities.

• Partners: MEYFUND Foundation and Trytirah.

PLANT

• Online facilitator training for volunteers.

• Preparation of workshop materials, including picture prompts, plush alphabet cards, playdough, puzzles, and songs.

GROW

• Week 1 (23 Nov 2024) – Igniting Imagination: Storytelling with picture prompts, object observation exercises, color identification, and song learning. For children facing writing challenges, drawing, coloring, and copywriting book activities were provided.

• Week 2 (30 Nov 2024) – Creativity in Action: Storytelling with plush alphabet cards, letter-meaning connections, playdough sculpting, and a second joyful song.

• Week 3 (14 Dec 2024) – Teamwork and Celebration: Collaborative puzzle-building of Noah’s Ark in groups, recap of earlier activities and songs, and refreshments to mark the close of the workshop.

HARVEST

• Volunteers and children reflected on their experiences.

• Strengthened skills in observation, motor coordination, storytelling, and cooperation.

• Celebration to acknowledge achievements and build a sense of pride.

• Partnerships: MEYFUND Foundation and Trytirah for local coordination and volunteer mobilisation.

• Materials: Picture cards, plush alphabet cards, art supplies, playdough, puzzles, and refreshments.

• Training: Lilalab-led train-the-trainer sessions for volunteers.

• Reach: Directly engaged 4–5-year-old children from the Agape Children’s Home through three immersive creative sessions.

• Capacity building: Equipped local volunteers with facilitation skills and creative activity frameworks to continue beyond the project.

• Creativity boost: Improved children’s ability to imagine, narrate, and visually express stories.

• Skill development: Enhanced observation, early literacy, motor skills, and teamwork.

• Cross-cultural exchange: Demonstrated Lilalab’s capacity to adapt and implement its methods globally in partnership with local organisations.

• Strengthen partnerships with MEYFUND and similar organisations to expand creative writing programs in Ghana and other African countries.

• Develop a Creative Writing for Early Childhood facilitator guide for global replication.

• Explore follow-up workshops to sustain and deepen the skills gained by participants.