Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City
Theme: Young authors igniting a lifelong love of reading and writing across Liverpool and beyond
Join us at Liverpool Central Library for an extraordinary Creative Workshop led by Liverpool’s youngest published authors, Latoya, Caleb and Destiny Likambi, in celebration of World Book Day and the Liverpool Year of Reading 2026.
On Saturday 7 March 2026, Liverpool Central Library will host an inspiring and visionary celebration of youth leadership, creativity, and literary excellence. Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City is a dynamic creative workshop uniquely led by Liverpool’s youngest published authors — Latoya, Caleb and Destiny Likambi.
The event will be graced by the distinguished presence of the Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, Founder of Builder Book, and Author, Natalie Reeves Billing, DL FRSA.
Hosted by Likambi Global Publishing in partnership with Liverpool Central Library, and proudly forming part of the Liverpool Year of Reading 2026, this landmark event is purposely designed by young people, for young people.
These remarkable young leaders, Latoya, Caleb and Destiny Likambi, are not only bestselling authors; they are peer mentors, role models and living proof that age is no barrier to achievement. Their work continues to reshape the narrative of what young people can accomplish when given the right support, resources, opportunities and platform to unlock their creativity and thrive to their fullest potential.
Dr Sylvia Forchap-Likambi, mother, mentor, and coach of the young authors, shared:
“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, they relate, and they begin to see their own potential reflected back at them. Their confidence and belief in themselves grow significantly. They begin to think, ‘If they can do it, so can I.’
We have witnessed this transformation time and again. The young authors have had far greater impact on young people than I have ever had throughout my entire career.”
The afternoon will feature:
- Exclusive live readings and storytelling sessions
- Guided creative writing workshops
- An interactive and dynamic panel discussion and Q&A with the young authors
- Practical tools and resources to unlock creativity and inner genius
- A young writers’ competition celebrating emerging talent
- Certificates of recognition and prizes presented to selected winners by the Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, Natalie Reeves Billing, DL FRSA
- An opportunity for participants to enter a competition to publish alongside the young authors
- An opportunity to secure a complimentary coaching session with Dr Sylvia Forchap-Likambi
- Autographed Copies of the young authors Books & Much more
Through interactive storytelling, imaginative writing workshops and structured creative activities, participants will:
- Discover the power of their own voice
- Build confidence through creative expression
- Experience the joy of reading and writing for pleasure
- Be inspired by positive peer role models
Selected competition winners will receive certificates of recognition and a personally autographed copy of one of the young authors’ books of their choice, presented during a special celebratory ceremony. Winners will also have access to a complimentary coaching session with Dr Sylvia Forchap-Likambi. This moment of honour will recognise not only their creativity and effort, but also affirm their talent, imagination and limitless potential — encouraging them to continue writing, dreaming and striving for excellence.
This event embodies a powerful and transformative truth: when young people rise to lead with courage, creativity and conviction, they awaken belief in their peers and inspire a generation to recognise its own voice, value and potential.
EVENT DETAILS:
World Book Day Creative Workshop With Liverpool’s Youngest Authors
Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City
📅 Saturday 7 March 2026
⏰ 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
📍 Liverpool Central Library
William Brown Street
Liverpool
L3 8EW
This is a free public event for young people
REGISTER YOUR YOUNG ONE/S HERE:
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
DESTINY LIKAMBI
Destiny Likambi – Bestselling Author & Inspirational Speaker
Destiny Likambi is a British child prodigy and the youngest female author in the world to publish multiple books, making her debut at just five years old. By the age of eight, she had published nine books, several of which reached Amazon number 1 bestseller status as part of the Destiny Books Collection, inspiring confidence, exploration and self-belief in young readers worldwide.
An award-winning young leader, Destiny has received international recognition, including an International Book of Records title and multiple young leadership awards. She has featured on ITV News, CRTV, BBC Radio Merseyside and other national and international media platforms, and regularly speaks at schools, libraries, literary conferences, and leadership summits. Through her Storytime with Destiny series and public speaking, she continues to inspire children to embrace creativity, build confidence and believe in themselves.
Together with her siblings, their goal is to create diversity in children’s literature, make their books available to young people, and inspire as many children as possible to unlock their creative genius and full potential. She is on a mission to inspire young children across the globe to write and publish their own books. She strongly believes that anyone can write a book at any age and has already inspired many children to explore their imagination and creativity and write their own books.
“I love speaking in schools and at events and inspiring young children to use their wide imagination to write and publish their own books. If I can do it, then they too can do it.” Destiny Likambi
“I want every child to believe in themselves and know they can achieve anything they dream of. My books and affirmation cards are meant to remind children that they are special, unique, and capable of great things.” Destiny Likambi
CALEB LIKAMBI
Michael Caleb Likambi – Bestselling Author, Leader & Literacy Advocate
Caleb Likambi debuted as a bestselling author at the age of 12 with Tammy and the Shipwreck, publishing multiple books within his first year. A passionate reader who has read over 900 books, Caleb is dedicated to promoting literacy and diversity in children’s literature.
A multi-award winner and recipient of the William Woodward Prize for Creative Writing, Caleb is also a respected school leader, having served as Head Boy for three consecutive years. Known for his humility, compassion and confidence, he is a positive role model for children globally.
Caleb’s genuine passion for reading and learning is second to none, which goes back to his childhood when he would read until he fell asleep. He’s read over 800 books to date and never stops requesting new books. He has been interviewed by and featured on diverse media platforms, including BBC Radio Merseyside and the Liverpool Echo.
Caleb’s dedication to sharing his love of reading and writing extends beyond his own books. Together with his siblings, he actively advocates for literacy and education, speaking in schools, libraries, and events and working to make diverse children books accessible to children from all backgrounds. Through his donations to schools, young people, and libraries, Caleb hopes to inspire young readers to discover the joy and transformative power of reading. He was the winner of the BBI Young Leader of the Year Award 2024.
“Always surround yourself with people who inspire you to be great, but most importantly, be that person who inspires others to be great.” Caleb Likambi
Latoya Likambi – Bestselling Author & Entrepreneur
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Teyes Eye Skincare
Co-Founder, Likambi Global Publishing
Latoya Likambi is a three-time international bestselling author, entrepreneur, transformational speaker, and global youth role model. A confident, eloquent and inspiring young speaker, she is passionate about empowering young people to unleash their creative genius and fulfil their maximum potential.
With a natural entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for innovation, Latoya has consistently transformed vision into reality. Creative, strong-minded and purpose-driven, she believes that every child is uniquely created with exceptional gifts and the ability to add meaningful value to the world.
Latoya wrote her first book at the age of seven, which was published when she turned ten. Since then, she has read over 500 books and continues to cultivate her deep passion for literature and learning. Her early love for storytelling led her to co-found Likambi Global Publishing, where she now mentors aspiring authors and supports them in bringing their stories to life. Through this work, she is committed to fostering a supportive literary community and amplifying diverse voices in children’s literature.
Her achievements include the Young Entrepreneur Mind Award (2022), Young Visionary Award (2022), Extraordinary Achievers “Exceptional Young Achievers Award” (2023), and the Rising Female Leader Award (2024), Young Leader Award 2025, among others. Latoya has featured on national and international radio and television platforms and has spoken at schools, community organisations, business conferences, global women leadership summits, international leadership events, and at the House of Commons.
Through her leadership, enterprise and dedication to literacy advocacy, Latoya continues to demonstrate that young people are not only capable of excellence — they are capable of leading and inspiring positive change globally.
“Every child has a story within them—waiting to be told. If you have a voice, use it; if you have a story, write it! Your words have the power to inspire, to teach, and to leave a lasting impact on the world.” Latoya Likambi
Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, Natalie Reeves Billing DL FRSA
Natalie Reeves Billing DL FRSA is a Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, an award-winning author, literacy innovator, and creative community leader. Born in Toxteth and now based on the Wirral, Natalie is widely recognised for her vibrant storytelling, commitment to literacy, and her ability to connect communities through creativity.
With a background in the music industry as a professional performer and songwriter, Natalie naturally transitioned into storytelling, bringing a lyrical flair and distinctive dark humour to her writing. She creates imaginative, often spooky stories for children, while also writing poetry, contemporary fiction, and flash fiction for adult audiences. Her published works include multiple anthologies and collaborations with fellow poets, musicians, and scriptwriters.
Natalie is the founder of Builder Book, an initiative that empowers communities—especially young families, women, and underrepresented groups—to tell their own stories through words and illustrations. Through her Bubs Literacy Project, she works to improve literacy and creative engagement in vulnerable communities, a mission supported by the Lloyds Bank Social Entrepreneurs Programme.
Her titles include My Mummy is a Monster (part of the Monstrous Me series) and Carry Love. She is a friend of the Arvon Foundation, a student of the Golden Egg Academy, and an active participant in Writing on the Wall’s creative writing community.
As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and a Governor of Everton Free School, Natalie continues to champion education, innovation, and accessibility in the arts. She also hosts and contributes to radio programming, regularly engaging audiences in conversations around storytelling, creativity, and community.
Natalie describes herself as a corporate and community connector—someone who builds meaningful networks and rallies people behind shared goals. Her work spans the worlds of literature, education, charity, and STEAM outreach, with a focus on encouraging others to find joy in creativity and to make their voices heard.
📚 Book Access & Sponsorship Appeal
During the event, the young authors will proudly present personally signed copies of their books to selected competition winners as part of the recognition ceremony.
In addition, we are inviting local businesses, philanthropists and community partners to join us in widening access to books for some of the most disadvantaged children in Liverpool.
A central objective of Young Voices: Stories That Spark the City is to promote literacy equity and representation. We are committed to:
- Increasing diversity and representation in children’s literature
- Expanding access to high-quality books written by children for children from low-income households
- Reducing literacy inequality across our communities
- Ensuring that no child is left behind
Sponsorship Opportunities
- £10 sponsors one book for a child
- £100 sponsors 10 books
- £170 sponsors 20 books
- £50 sponsors six packs of Affirmation Card Decks
- Corporate sponsorship packages are available upon request
Every sponsored book represents more than a gift — it represents access, encouragement and belief in a child’s potential.
Sponsor Recognition
All sponsors will be acknowledged through:
- Event materials and programme listings
- Social media campaign recognition
- Inclusion in press releases
Together, we can ensure that literacy, confidence and creative opportunity are accessible to every child, regardless of background.
Please, get in touch with us for a bespoke sponsorship package, or make your donation using the account details below, quoting your name or company name as reference:
Likambi Global
Sort Code: 20-51-08
Acc. No. 63755207
Thank you for partnering with us.
