TLO Child & Youth Participation and Engagement Initiative Child-led Creative Workshops at The Living Commons, Cork (2023) A series of child-led workshops were held at the Living Commons, a creative community space on Shandon Street, aimed at children from the Spring Lane site. The workshops were designed around themes of identity and belonging, focusing on developing a positive sense of self and fostering the feeling of being valued as part of a family and community. It was crucial for the children to feel comfortable in this new environment and to develop a sense of ownership and agency within the shared space. The workshops encouraged the children to take the lead in decision-making, particularly around activities. They were provided with various arts and crafts options, allowing them to choose what they enjoyed. Specific activities, such as constructing homes from shoeboxes and materials, were continued over several weeks. The children also expressed interest in learning to use a sewing machine and subsequently created bags, bunting, and other items for themselves and their families. Working alongside support workers and artists, the children enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere where they could freely express their thoughts and experiences. The workshops emphasized the value of their contributions, reinforcing their role in community spaces.
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