A NEW creative literacy and storytelling project funded by the Port of Milford Haven designed to inspire and encourage a love of reading, writing and self-expression among young people culminated with a celebration.

The Port worked with Gwella, an organisation that supports meaningful learning experiences for children and educators, to deliver the 12-week Harbour Tales activities programme to Year 2 pupils (aged 6-7) from six primary schools located along the Milford Haven Waterway. By taking learning beyond the classroom and placing creativity at its heart, the initiative aimed to help children build confidence, imagination and enthusiasm for literacy at a key stage in their development.

Participating schools included Gelliswick Primary School, Milford Haven Community Primary School, Cleddau Reach, Pennar Primary School, Pembroke Dock Community Primary School and Golden Grove Primary School in Pembroke.

Golden Grove pupils
Golden Grove pupils (Port of Milford Haven)

Children worked with a team of experienced creatives, including Kerry Curson, author and publisher at Little Grebe Books, who guided pupils through imaginative writing exercises, and Di Ford, an accomplished illustrator, who helped bring their stories to life visually.

Through workshops, creative sessions and hands on activities, pupils developed their own original stories, building skills in communication and creativity while developing a positive relationship with reading and writing. Schools were then invited to celebrate the project at the Port of Milford Haven’s Sybil House at Milford Waterfront.

Gwella’s Project Lead, Sarah Milligan, said it was “incredibly rewarding” to the children’s confidence grow throughout the programme.

The project was supported by Arts & Business Cymru’s CultureStep programme which invests in innovative partnerships between Welsh businesses and the arts to encourage new and existing partnerships that address social, cultural and environmental priorities.

By investing in early years education and creative learning, the Port hopes to spark lasting curiosity and enthusiasm that children can carry with them throughout their education and beyond.