The Liberation War Museum, in collaboration with LEEDO Peace Home, have recently organised a thought-provoking event titled “Dreaming Future: A Creative Engagement Project with Children”, celebrating the creativity, imagination, and resilience of children from marginalised backgrounds.

The programme featured an inspiring exhibition of artworks created by 20 children from LEEDO Peace Home, drawing inspiration from Begum Rokeya’s visionary feminist utopia, Sultana’s Dream.

Curator Rupakalpa Chowdhury, who led the project, said the initiative began with a dream — “a dream where every child has the freedom to think, imagine, and express without any bondage.” Inspired by Rokeya’s revolutionary story, the project explored the transformative power of creative education through storytelling, self-reflection, and hands-on making.

The children participated in three immersive workshops. In the Wire Workshop, they used their imagination and problem-solving skills to craft both 2D and 3D forms from wire. In the Clay Workshop, they sculpted representations of who they dream to become in the future. Meanwhile, in the Paper Collage Workshop, the children created self-portraits to explore identity and self-worth.

“My intent as the curator was to nurture imagination, emotional intelligence, and confidence through a process that honours every child’s voice,” said Chowdhury.

“Like Rokeya, who believed that education is the greatest tool for empowerment, I believe that art—when made accessible and joyful—can be a powerful form of education, especially for children who rarely get such platforms. Every child deserves a space where they are seen, heard, and guided to become the best version of themselves. This project is a small step in that direction.”

“If we can bring all street children under the umbrella of education, Bangladesh will be in a much stronger position,” she expressed with hope.

Mofidul Hoque, trustee and member secretary of the Liberation War Museum, reflected on the symbolism of the project: “When children read Sultana’s Dream, the journey of another dream begins. This initiative, led by Rupakalpa Chowdhury, is itself a reflection of Sultana’s Dream — where all walks of life come together to help liberate society.”

Forhad Hossain, executive director of the Local Education and Economic Development Organisation (LEEDO), praised the initiative and its impact on the participating children.

“It was a wonderful project, and we hope to continue creating a better future for these children so that they may one day contribute to the nation.”

The project stands as a powerful reminder of how art and imagination can empower children, challenge social barriers, and spark dreams of a brighter future.