A new creative literacy and storytelling project funded by the Port of Milford Haven designed to inspire and encourage a love of reading, writing and self-expression among young people has culminated in a successful celebration event.
Over a twelve-week period the Port of Milford Haven worked with Gwella, an organisation that supports meaningful learning experiences for children and educators, to deliver the Harbour Tales programme of activities to Year 2 pupils (aged 6-7) from six primary schools located along the Milford Haven Waterway. By taking learning beyond the classroom and placing creativity at its heart, the initiative aimed to help children build confidence, imagination and enthusiasm for literacy at a key stage in their development.
Participating schools included Gelliswick Primary School, Milford Haven Community Primary School, Cleddau Reach, Pennar Primary School, Pembroke Dock Community Primary School and Golden Grove Primary School in Pembroke.
Anna Mullarkey, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said:
“Recognising that early literacy skills play a vital role in long term educational outcomes, we wanted to create a project that makes reading and writing fun, engaging and accessible. By taking learning beyond the classroom and using creativity as a gateway, we hope to inspire a lifelong love of literacy while strengthening our connection with our local communities.”
Gwella’s Project Lead, Sarah Milligan, commented:
“This programme has been designed to put imagination and creativity at the centre of learning. By working with professional writers and illustrators, and by grounding the project in pupils’ own experiences and surroundings, we’ve given children the tools to see themselves as storytellers. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their confidence grow as they discover new ways to use language, art and self expression.”
Children also worked with a team of experienced creatives, including Kerry Curson, author and publisher at Little Grebe Books, who guided pupils through imaginative writing exercises, and Di Ford, an accomplished illustrator, who helped bring their stories to life visually.
Through workshops, creative sessions and hands on activities, pupils developed their own original stories, building skills in communication and creativity while developing a positive relationship with reading and writing. Schools were then invited to celebrate the project at the Port of Milford Haven’s Sybil House at Milford Waterfront.
The project was supported by Arts & Business Cymru’s CultureStep programme which invests in innovative partnerships between Welsh businesses and the arts to encourage new and existing partnerships that address social, cultural and environmental priorities.
The Port has a long standing commitment to supporting its local communities, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for young people. This project reflects the Port’s belief that empowering the next generation begins with confidence, creativity and the ability to tell their own stories. By investing in early years education and creative learning, the Port hopes to spark lasting curiosity and enthusiasm that children can carry with them throughout their education and beyond.
