Sydney Story Factory run free creative writing and storytelling workshops for young people aged seven to 17, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. Under the guidance of their expert storytelling team, young people work with volunteer tutors to write stories of all kinds, which we publish in as many ways as we can. Young people leave with the skills and confidence essential for future success.
KARI’s has 14 children and young people from the metro region participating in the workshops, which run for eight weeks during the fourth school term.
The children learnt creative writing skills and increased their literacy. Some of these children can find classrooms confronting or challenging and this results in them losing confidence. The Sydney Story factory uses a range of alternative education principles to spark the child’s engagement with learning and celebrate their successes. The space has a really cool feel to it and they’ve set it up as a Martian embassy with lots of zombie gadgets and toys. Each child worked with a specially trained volunteer and is encouraged to develop their own ideas.
Over the eight weeks each child created a story and turn it into their very own animated movie. These movies include voice overs, sound effects and animations. At the end, each child will present their movie to the class and their families and friends.
Each child committed to attending a one hour session each Wednesday. All of the kids loved the program and looked forward to working on their stories each Wednesday.
The team at Sydney Story Factory understand that education is strength and that children from marginalised backgrounds sometimes need a more personalised approach to learning. Their programs spark an interest in creative writing and learning; which encourages the children to return to mainstream school with more confidence and vigour.
They provide one on one support which the children benefit immensely from.
A big thank you to our Rosebery team; who have spent countless Wednesdays driving the bus around to transport children to and from the program. From all reports, the time and effort was nothing compared to seeing the kids’ progress throughout the program.
All of the kids in the program attended the presentation night on 6 December, where their finished stories were viewed.
“After eight weeks of hard work, the kids put on a ‘movie night, style presentation, to showcase their incredible achievements. It was a huge success, with each child getting to present their mini-movie to the audience; which was made up of carers, birth parents, siblings, KARI staff, SSF staff and their volunteers,” said Liddy Mitchell, KARI Caseworker.
“Every child took a bow after their movie had played to huge applause; having accomplished being the writer, director and producer of their very own animated story. A great night was had by all, we are so proud of our kids!” Mitchell continued.