Parents and children came together at the Newham Festival of Stories to send messages of “Love,” “Unity,” and “Be Kind” onto a large scroll, which will be shared with street children of Bangladesh.

The art and craft workshop was led by illustrator Saif Osmani and school teacher Natasha Sharmin, both trustees of UK charity Friends of Street Children Bangladesh.

During the session, participants were introduced to the story of Fatima from The Street is Not a Home, a book co-created by street children and UK author Mike Sherriff. The event also featured performances of Bengali dances and songs by the street children via a live link, along with a display of their photographs taken while surviving on the streets. Visitors had the opportunity to ask questions to the author, illustrator, and the street children themselves, learning more about the essential work of LEEDO, the organisation that supports these children at the Peace Home.

Friends of Street Children Bangladesh would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Plaistow Library and team behind the Newham Festival of Stories for their support.

Photo gallery (above): from the Art & Craft workshop around The Street is Not a Home