Colour Carpet Initiative

Oct 28

The ColourCarpet Initiative creates safe spaces where children can express themselves freely through arts and storytelling. From Kabul to Lagos — every carpet becomes a home of colour, creativity, and hope.

Following a very successful first year of Colour of Tomorrow we are proud to announce our latest initiative, the ColourCarpet initiative. In many regions children face barriers to creative expression through no fault of their own. Whether it be instability, conflict, societal restraints or economic hardship. Opportunities for these children to express themselves creatively are therefore often scarce making safe spaces for self-expression all that more vital. Through this project we hope to show how creativity can thrive anywhere when given the opportunity.

The ColourCarpet initiative will give children a safe space to create, share and dream together. The initiative builds upon the spirit of Colour of Tomorrow of using creativity as a universal language of hope and expression. Through this initiative we aim to give children across three countries the means to express themselves creatively.

Across cultures the carpet represents home, belonging, and much more. The carpet is often the centre of the home where families and friends would gather around to share stories, meals and good times. The carpet also reminds us that even in diversity there is common ground, a cultural significance linked to the carpet in each culture. By using the simple carpet in a creative setting we hope to foster this same sense of safety and belonging that will allow the children to let their imagination roam free and create whatever their hearts desire.

During the ColourCarpet sessions children gather together, on their traditional carpets, where they will draw, paint, and share stories. They will turn the carpet into a space where colour and joy can flourish. The results so far have been extraordinary, not only the art that has been created, but also the joy and laughter that has been shared by participants.

The initiative will be run in three countries; Afghanistan, Nigeria and India. In Afghanistan and Nigeria the ColourCarpet initiative is already underway. In Afghanistan, ColourCarpet sessions have been held in Kabul and Parwan under the guidance of our country director for Afghanistan, Abdul Ghafoor Arian. Furthermore, our country director for Nigeria, Morgan Otagburuagu, has held a successful ColourCarpet session in Lagos.

We are also excited to announce our expansion into India. With the help of Saad Ahmed, our country director for India. We are excited about launching the ColourCarpet initiative, as well as other projects, in India in the near future.

Through the ColourCarpet initiative we aim to celebrate every child’s voice and imagination. Whether it’s in Kabul or Lagos, each carpet becomes a place where children’s imaginations can run wild. This reminds us that creativity and imagination need something as simple as a safe space to flourish.

Written by Dara McMahon