Sister Organisations’ conference in Stockholm  

Berättarministeriet is part of an international network of organisations that work with children’s and young people’s writing – Writing our world (WOW) – that is sprung from 826 Valencia. WOW consists of 34 organisations, spread across more than 70 locations in Europe, USA, Central America and Australia. All share the goal of contributing to a democratic society through fostering a sense of security and confidence in written expression for children and young people.  

Every other year, a conference is held with the aim of sharing experiences and exchanging ideas and reflections. The theme of this year’s conference was The Desire for Storytelling – nurturing the next generation’s literacy, creativity and critical thinking. Berättarministeriet hosted the conference, and in July 14 organisations from nine countries gathered in Stockholm. We were also joined by Dave Eggers, the founder of 826 Valencia, who spoke about The International Library of Youth Writing in San Francisco where books written by children and young people all over the world are put on display behind a secret door. For example, there are books published by Editor Schwartz publishing house!  

Creativity was the overarching theme of the presentations and workshops held during the two days; how can language skills and critical thinking be strengthened with the assistance of imagination and creativity? Creativity helps build confidence and enhances self-esteem in children. All organisations shared the belief in the potential of including creativity in education. Since every organisation operates under different opportunities and prerequisites – both financial and in terms of national regulations – there are differences in what can be implemented, but ideas and inspiration were shared generously among the participants.  

In addition to presentations by organisations, knowledge exchange and workshops, the participants got to visit our education centre in Hagsätra, where they had the opportunity to explore the Alien Supermarket, make their way through the secret door and browse our school programs and artefacts. We also had time to visit our collaboration partner, The Nobel Prize Museum, for a guided tour – a Swedish example of how creativity has contributed to human development throughout history. 

Stockholm showed itself from its very best side these days in July and the participants could return home with new insights, reflections and plenty of memories.  

Participating organisations:
826 National, USA
B&G Partners, England
Berättarministeriet, Sweden
Fighting Words, Ireland
Fighting Words NI, Northern Ireland
Grimm & Co, England
Little Green Pig, England
Ministry of Stories, England
Noordje, The Netherlands
Story Factory, Australia
Super Power Agency, Scotland
The Bank of Dreams and Nightmares, England
The Story Works, England
W’ORT, Austria