Parents and grandparents in the north-east are being invited to create children’s picture books in an unusual effort to boost their employability.
A professional author and a team of creative experts will lead the Aberdeen project, which also hopes to boost literacy skills and raise confidence.
And though it has serious and potentially life-changing aims, the course will also enable participants the chance to take their picture books home for their youngsters.
It is being offered by Aberdeen City Council’s Progress Through Positive Partnerships project and will be led by husband and wife team Gabi Reith and Phil Thompson, from Gabi Reith Artworks.
They will deliver the nine week course in the city’s regeneration areas, supporting participants to create the content, while a local writer will be recruited to help participants with the writing element,
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden believes the initiative could have a significant impact upon families,
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for parents or grandparents to design, write and produce their very own book.
“Working through the entire production process from conception to the physical product will offer participants a unique opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence which we hope they can then pass on to their children.”
In the past, the Gabi Reith Artworks team have worked with the council’s creative learning team on the Look Again Arts Festival and Arts Across Learning Festival, where they engaged with adults and school children to encourage play and creativity.
Mr Thompson said: “We’re looking forward to once again engaging with a wide range of Aberdonians, helping them to be creative, giving them confidence and opportunities to make stories and books they can be proud of and share with their families and friends.”
Support and advice will be offered throughout to ensure the participants feels confident about their creation, which will be theirs to keep following production.
Part-funded by the European Structural Fund (ESF), the £2.2 million Progress Through Positive Partnership project, sees the council work with a range of organisations to provide increased employability services and positive outcomes across the city.
For more information about the project, or to register, visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/esfgetstarted.
