The Woven Worlds project, co-led by Katende Godfrey and Jessie Stringer-Fewtrill, aims to empower young care leavers in Manchester and survivors of war in Kitgum, northern Uganda, through free art workshops. This signature program merges artistic expression with career-skills development. To build awareness, understanding, and create deep connections between communities across the UK and Uganda.
Jessie Stringer-Fewtrill’s experience of growing up in the care system. She received the grant funding from the British Council to run these workshops alongside her collaborator from Kampala, Uganda, Katende Godfrey. He is affiliated with the Ugandan label IGC Fashion. He has honed his craft as a fashion designer through intensive collaboration with local tailors. The pair first crossed paths five years ago in Uganda. Before long, they discovered they were equally passionate about addressing local challenges, empowering people through education and job training, and educating consumers on the detrimental impacts of fast fashion.
Participants in the Woven Worlds project learned many artistic methods, such as screen printing, appliqué, and poetry writing. Additionally, through these creative practices, individuals build a medium for personal expression that catalyzes healing and empowerment. Godfrey delivered workshops in Kitgum, a community still reeling from the scars of civil war, while Stringer-Fewtrill led sessions in Manchester.
“I always say ‘pain into power’, so it’s about channelling that energy and being powerful together,” Stringer-Fewtrill stated, reflecting on the transformative nature of art. She expressed that participating in the project was “really special” since she had not discussed her experiences in the care system for many years.
Through your time of struggle, you’ve risen with resilience. It’s a victory that’s cause for celebration,” she continued. Humaira, a participant in the project, emphasized the importance of creating something meaningful from the unique experiences of care leavers.
Through each phase of the project, Stringer-Fewtrill used artistic expression and language as a practice of creative therapy. As a result, her unique and refreshing approach resonated immensely with the many participants. It provided them a platform to express themselves without fear—exploring their emotions and experiences through art-making. This was Godfrey’s first visit to the UK. During his travels, he learned new artistic techniques, most notably the craft of naturally dyeing fabrics.
The Woven Worlds project is more than just an artistic exploration. It takes vital steps to advance peace and prosperity, primarily by building bridges of understanding between individuals of all different backgrounds. The completed fashion collection, which distills the spirit of this collaborative work, will be completed in September.
