When given a blank page, a group of young writers at Leith Academy discovered a world of endless possibilities.
Over the course of eight weeks, the Super Power Agency delivered their Wellbeing Hub Programme to S1 pupils who have additional support needs and sometimes experience challenges engaging with mainstream education. Supported by an experienced illustrator in the classroom, the students set out to create their own children's stories. Although many of the young writers were initially unsure about the task, they quickly embraced the opportunity and threw themselves into the creative process.
The result was a book titled Who Gave These Kids Pencils? It is a brilliant collection filled with super eagles flying to Mount Fuji in search of chocolate, boys who can transform into geckos to escape danger, lions protecting the desert, and twins who discovered that mermaids (and mer-dogs) might just be real after all. There are rainbow parties in the sky, food that fought back, underwater trains, and birthday celebrations saved by song. To celebrate their fantastic progress, the young authors then had the opportunity to read their finished work to a local P1 class.
To support the delivery of this inspiring programme, the Super Power Agency applied for an organisational grant from Trefoil. The funding helped the charity provide an encouraging environment where the pupils could build their skills and develop their confidence. Reflecting on the success of the young writers, the agency shared:
"This book is proof of what happens when young people are given time, confidence and permission to be creative."
Every story in the new collection carries its own unique voice and warmth. The pupils excelled over the eight weeks, discovering just how powerful their imaginations truly are, and they have every reason to be incredibly proud of their wonderful new book.
