At the Centre Guelwar, a cultural space in Ngaparou and one of the living labs of the ARTS project, From Pen to Voice was initiated by Lise Landrin. This series of writing workshops, designed specifically for young girls, aims to foster creativity while providing a safe environment where participants can explore and affirm their identities.
The goal of these workshops is to engage young participants through creative processes, focusing on writing as a means of expression and empowerment. Participants are encouraged to write about topics that resonate with them personally—their dreams, struggles, and visions for the future. This introspective work is complemented by exercises in reading aloud, bringing their words to life and building their self-confidence.
Beyond learning writing techniques, the workshops inspire young girls to confront their fears, share their stories, and make their voices heard in environments where they are often marginalized.
These workshops are part of a broader set of creative tools explored by the ARTS project to support agroecological and social transitions. Alongside participatory approaches like forum theatre and interactive mapping, From Pen to Voice highlights artistic expression as a powerful lever for strengthening community cohesion and driving profound transformations.