Care leavers tell stories in 'pain into power' art

In a remarkable initiative, young individuals who have experienced life in care are being encouraged to transform their 'pain into power' through artistic expression. This initiative, known as the Woven Worlds project, is providing free art workshops to two distinct groups: young people in Manchester, England, who have spent time in care, and survivors of civil conflict in Kitgum, Uganda. The workshops are designed to help participants explore their lived experiences through various forms of art, including screen printing, sewing, and poetry. Jessie Stringer-Fewtrill, a fashion designer who herself grew up in care, is leading these workshops alongside her Ugandan colleague, Katende Godfrey. Jessie emphasizes the therapeutic nature of art, stating, 'I used art and words as a form of self-expression, like creative therapy. ' She hopes that the workshops will empower care leavers to recognize their challenging backgrounds as something worthy of celebration. The artwork produced during these sessions will contribute to a fashion collection that prioritizes sustainable materials. Jessie finds the project particularly meaningful, as she had previously refrained from discussing her own experiences in the care system. By sharing her story, she has created a safe environment for others to express themselves openly. 'I always say 'pain into power', so it's about channeling that energy and being powerful together,' she explains. This sentiment highlights the idea that overcoming adversity is a cause for pride. Katende Godfrey, who has honed his fashion design skills from local tailors in Uganda, co-led the Woven Worlds project. He conducted workshops in Uganda for a community deeply affected by civil war. Katende describes the experience as both challenging and impactful, stating, 'What we have in this collection is beyond people's imagination. ' He and Jessie first met in Uganda five years ago and quickly realized their shared passion for community engagement. However, it was only this year that they found the opportunity to collaborate and secure funding for their project. They were thrilled to receive the International Collaboration Grant, which aims to foster connections and understanding between people in the UK and around the world. Jessie and Katende are both committed to making a positive impact in their communities and raising awareness about the detrimental effects of fast fashion. This project also allowed Katende to visit the UK for the first time, where he learned new artistic techniques, such as natural dyeing of textiles. Participants Megan and Humaira, both young women who attended the workshops in Manchester, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with others who share similar backgrounds. Megan noted that the care system can sometimes feel isolating, but the project allowed her to meet people who understand her experiences. Humaira emphasized the importance of creating something meaningful from the unique experiences of care leavers. The final fashion collection, which will showcase the artwork created during the workshops, is set to be unveiled in September. Katende hopes that this collection will inspire conversations and encourage people to think before they judge others.