PRESS RELEASE: Liverpool’s Youngest Authors to Host Grand Final of “Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City” Creative Workshops at Liverpool Central Library

Liverpool, UK – March 14 2026

Following the landmark success of the opening World Book Day Creative Workshop on Saturday 7 March, held in the distinguished presence of Mrs Natalie Reeves Billing, DL FRSA, Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, and the second highly successful workshop held on Saturday 14 March, Liverpool’s youngest published authors are returning to Liverpool Central Library next Saturday, 21 March, to host the Grand Final of the Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City – Creative Workshops with Liverpool’s Youngest Authors.

The inspiring workshop series has captured the imagination of young people and families across the city and is proudly part of the Liverpool Year of Reading 2026, celebrating literacy, creativity and youth leadership across Liverpool.

The Grand Final workshop, taking place on Saturday 21 March, will once again be led by Liverpool’s youngest published authors — Latoya, Caleb and Destiny Likambi. These remarkable young leaders are not only international bestselling authors, but also peer mentors and role models, demonstrating that age is no barrier to creativity, leadership and achievement.

Hosted by Likambi Global Publishing in partnership with Liverpool Central Library, the workshop series has been purposefully designed by young people, for young people, creating an inspiring environment where participants can explore their imagination, develop their writing skills and discover the power of their own voice.

Throughout the series, young participants have engaged in interactive storytelling, creative writing activities and inspiring discussions, learning directly from peers who have already achieved remarkable success in writing and publishing.

At the heart of this initiative is the transformational power of peer influence and mentorship. When children see young people like themselves writing books, leading discussions and speaking confidently on literary platforms and beyond, they connect and begin to see their own potential reflected back at them.

Their confidence grows significantly and they begin to believe: ‘If they can do it, so can I.’

The Grand Final event will feature a special celebration of young talent, with Certificates of Recognition and prizes presented to selected competition winners by the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Billy Hui BEM DL.

Impact of the Programme

The first two workshops have already had a powerful impact on young participants.

One parent shared:

“It was incredible to see my child so inspired. Seeing young authors leading the workshop made it real for them. They came home excited about writing their own story.”

A young participant added:

“I didn’t realise I could write stories like that before. Now I want to write my own book one day.”

One parent whose child took part in the workshop and won an award shared:

“My daughter was very excited to receive an award and a book for her work. It’s the first time in her life she has ever been celebrated for her talents. The fact that she had to use her imagination without limitations or rules, as guided by Destiny, made all the difference. She felt free to express her creativity.”

Dr Sylvia Forchap-Likambi, mother and mentor to Liverpool’s youngest authors, said:

“The impact has been incredible. In just two workshops we have already celebrated ten young creative winners, awarding certificates and books that recognise their talent and help build their confidence. Seeing children realise their potential through the inspiration of young authors is truly powerful.

It is evident that when children see young people like themselves leading and succeeding, it sparks the belief that they too can achieve great things.”

Michael Likambi, father of the young authors, added:

“I am immensely proud of the young authors and our city’s young people. We are already seeing this programme inspire young people not only across Liverpool, but beyond the city. It is incredibly fulfilling to witness the seeds of creativity, confidence, and leadership being planted in the next generation.”

What to Expect at the Grand Final

The afternoon programme will include:

Exclusive live readings and storytelling sessions
Guided creative writing workshops
An interactive panel discussion and Q&A with the young authors
Practical tools and resources to unlock creativity and imagination
A young writers’ competition celebrating emerging talent
Certificates of recognition and prizes for selected winners presented by High Sheriff of Merseyside, Billy Hui BEM DL.
Opportunities for participants to publish alongside the young authors
Complimentary coaching sessions with Dr Sylvia Forchap-Likambi for selected winners
Autographed copies of the young authors’ books

Selected winners will receive certificates of recognition and a personally autographed copy of one of the young authors’ books, alongside the opportunity to access a complimentary coaching session with Dr Sylvia Forchap-Likambi.

This moment of celebration recognises not only the children’s creativity and effort, but also affirms their talent, imagination and limitless potential, encouraging them to continue reading, writing, dreaming and striving for excellence.

Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City – Creative Workshops with Liverpool’s Youngest Authors embody a powerful message: when young people are given the opportunity to lead with creativity, courage, and confidence, they inspire their peers and awaken belief in an entire generation.