Spark Child Foundation
Spark Child Presentation Proposal: A Holistic Well-being Intervention for Vulnerable Children – From Trinidad & Tobago to the UK
This proposal presents evidence on “”Spark Child,”” a holistic intervention combining storytelling, nature engagement, and adaptable spiritual practices for emotionally disadvantaged children. Originally developed in Trinidad & Tobago for disadvantaged, orphaned and Venezuelan migrant/refugee children, our pilot study demonstrates promising results applicable to UK education systems.
Intervention Components:
• Nature-based visual storytelling with hyper-realistic imagery
• Culturally-responsive spiritual practices adaptable across belief systems
• Wellbeing activities, including gratitude journaling and creative expression
• English language development through gamified comprehension tools
Research Methodology: Our qualitative research involved stakeholders, including the Archbishop of Port-of-Spain, psychologists, educators, parents, and children, through structured interviews, creative output analysis, journal entries, digital metrics, and behavioural observations.
Implementation Sites:
• Care institutions (ages 12-17)
• State primary schools (ages 5-12)
• Humanitarian spaces for migrant children
Qualitative Findings Examples (Participant Quotes):
• “”I feel surprised that there are so many positive things about me…”” (Female, 15)
• “”It caused me to expand my imagination. It made me think what I really grateful for.”” (Male, 15)
• “”It made me feel happy because I never get a chance to express myself…”” (Male, 16)
• “”I’ve discovered that I have many more parts and ways to me…”” (Female, 17)
UK Application Research Question: Can Spark Child be adapted for refugee children within UK education systems?
UK Context Challenges:
• 80,000+ students with English as additional language
• Migration-associated trauma
• Cultural integration needs
Potential UK Applications:
• Nature-based buddy systems
• Multilingual storytelling with cultural awareness
• Gratitude practices fostering belonging
• Creative identity expression activities