Youth Storytelling Project: Exploring Belonging Through Young Eyes
What does belonging look like to a 10-year-old?
That’s the question the Family Action Network (FAN) is asking in the next phase of our Primary Years Project, an initiative first launched with generous support from the REDI Grant, Community Prosperity Fund and Teck Trail Operations. Building on the collective impact model that has supported the early years in our region for over a decade, FAN is now turning the lens toward children aged 9-13, a group often overlooked when it comes to community planning and engagement.
Through the Youth Storytelling and Map-Making Project, local kids will explore their communities through art, photography, and conversation, identifying the places and spaces that make them feel safe, connected, and proud to call home. From parks and schools to hidden trails and favourite gathering spots, each child’s map will help paint a picture of what belonging looks like in the Lower Columbia through young eyes.
This hands-on, creative approach grew out of what we learned in the first phase of the Primary Years work:
- Families with primary-aged children crave more opportunities for connection;
- Children in this age group want to contribute and have their voices heard;
- Parents are seeking welcoming spaces that bridge the gap between the early years and adolescence.
By engaging children directly, the project not only builds confidence and leadership, but also helps communities better understand how to design inclusive spaces where every family feels welcome.
The Youth Storytelling and Map-Making Project is supported by the ReDi Grant (Community-Directed Funds). With additional sponsorship from Teck Trail Operations and the LeRoi Foundation to help cover art materials, youth refreshments, and a community celebration event this spring.
If you have a child aged 9–13 who would like to share their voice through art, conversation, or photography, we would love to have them join us for our first meet-up this Saturday! This is an inclusive group, supporting diversity.
✨ Please register using the QR code or by clicking the link below to save your spot.