STORYTELLING
HOLISTIC, EMPOWERED SUPPORT
This interactive workshop uses the powerful Tree of Life framework to help both young people and educators explore their identity, values, strengths, and dreams—while honouring the people and experiences that have shaped them. Rooted in cultural storytelling, this approach is especially impactful for those with mixed or marginalized identities.
Participants use the tree metaphor (roots, trunk, branches, leaves, fruits, and storms) to reflect on their personal stories, cultural heritage, and hopes for the future. The workshop provides a safe, creative space to build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness.
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Exploring Identity, Resilience, and Connection through our own Narratives
Tree of Life is a malleable and accessible practice which is rooted in peer-to-peer
learning, encouraging participants and community groups to share and appreciate
each other.
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At UBUNTU, we work in a person-centred, bespoke manner (one-to-one, in groups or in
the community) with KS2, young people (11-25) and adults.​
Why It Matters:
This workshop helps participants make sense
of their journeys in a way that affirms strength, identity, and connection—especially valuable for those navigating trauma, transitions, or cultural complexity.
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​​PAVING THE WAY FORWARD
Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, the founder of PHOLA and a widely acclaimed Narrative Therapist, and David Denborough, author, and teacher of Narrative Therapy, co-developed the Tree of Life as a way of sustainably helping young people who’ve experienced hardship.
Rather than focusing directly on ‘problem stories’, the Tree of Life focuses
on building ‘alternative stories’ — it works against the trap of apathy
without bypassing or minimising the painful times people have
experienced. It’s a meaning-making, integrative experience
which, rather than re-inducing trauma, fosters hope, resilience, and
the unfolding of new pathways.
By reflecting on how our lives have shaped us, it’s possible
to discover unacknowledged skills and illuminate unseen
strengths, cultivating new skills to process the
past and cope with any challenges.
