Tree of Life: Roots of Resilience

For young people aged 6 to 11 years of age 

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This workshop aims to bring children together to celebrate an array of diverse cultural identities whilst leaning on familial histories as a source of pride and strength.

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Originating from Zimbabwe, this art making activity is based on narrative therapy practices, spread over three sessions and invites participants to draw a tree to represent different aspects of themselves and their lives.

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By completing the 'tree of life' participants get to speak of their 'roots' (where they come from), as well as their skills, knowledge, hopes, dreams for the future and the special people in their lives.

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The workshop provides a space to facilitate conversations to enable children to tell, hear and explore stories of hope, shared values forming a stronger connection to those around them. This provides an opportunity to learn from each other and to celebrate each other’s differences.

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This approach is easy to engage with, fun and at the same time enables young people to speak about aspects of themselves and their lives in a way that is empowering and increases resilience.

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Key objectives:

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• Build confidence and resilience

• Uncover strengths, cultural values and traditions to contribute to the process of healing

• Increase problem solving skills

• Strengthen relationships with significant others e.g. family, friends, peers or teachers to widen support network.

• Inspire hope

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Activities included:

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• Individual art work

• Pair & group activities

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