Help Ukrainian refugee youth tell their stories through comics

Dates: July 26-August 20th, 2023

Location: Cologne and Frankfurt, Germany

What: The goal is to mentor each youth and help them create their own comic book story from start to finish.

Situation: I received a grant from my university to volunteer and teach my Panels & Me comics curriculum for refugee youth in Germany. The original plan was to work with a small group of 10 Ukrainian students. However, the project proposal ended up attracting over 40 youth, 2 local nonprofits, and a Ukrainian school! This is great news, but it also means I need your help to ensure we have enough to pull it off.

Why Comics?: Art and storytelling holds the power to process trauma, share experiences, and own who we are. Comics combines both mediums.

Important Notes:

Donation amount: Please donate what you're able to! Every effort counts.
Cost Breakdown of where your donations will go towards is below. (Most of it for a book drive)
Past Panels & Me Projects are also below for your reference.
Deadline: Donations will be accepted until August 20th or until the max amount has been fundraised.
Campaign updates & donors appreciation: I will come up with spontaneous ideas for donations or donors appreciation, so keep an eye out on Instagram: @the.inkformant and/or this campaign page for updates!

Cost Breakdown

The Superheroes (Youth)

Estimated Cost: $300-$500
- Basic supplies like paper, pencils, colored pencils
- Book Drive: Comic book from a local Cologne or Frankfurt bookstore for each youth

The Sidekicks (Volunteers)

Estimated Cost: $50
- Appreciation tokens
- Transportation reimbursement

Teacher Toolbox

Estimated Cost: $50
- Printing/copy costs for worksheets
- Teaching materials like comic books as examples, visual aids, whiteboards, markers

Past Panels & Me Projects

Panels & Me has helped create 100+ original youth stories. View the Panels & Me website (needs to be updated) for a basic overview. For video references of some past projects, check out the links below:

Panels & Me in Germany

#DiscoverUnspokenStories from Migrant Youth

Team Members