June 6, 2012
Category: Department of the Chief Minister, Department of the Street Over There
Author: volunteers@ministryofstories.org
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Minister of the Month for May: Sonia Caller
A Ministry would obviously be nothing without its ministers. Every now and again, to show our appreciation, we like to give a special mention to one particularly brilliant minister. So I’m pleased to announce our Minister for the Month for May: Sonia Caller!
Sonia Caller, mid adventure.
Despite being an avid cook, Sonia is far too creative to follow recipes, and instead views a good dish just like she views a good story: “I like a little bit of this and a little bit of that over a gentle heat… when it’s bubbling like a great story I can’t wait for people to enjoy it until every last morsel is gone”.
Working within the Ministry (as Sonia says with “the friendliest people in all of Hackney”) she enjoys being transported to another world by the children’s stories: encouraging children to write and to share mean that she leaves inspired by the creative process. Even when there isn’t enough time for those stories to be finished, cliffhangers just leave her wanting to hear more!
Outside of the Ministry’s walls Sonia has been driving our community engagement with the Ivy Street Centre. The Centre offers care and support to families of Hoxton – the Centre attracts families from many cultures, generations and backgrounds. The Ministry’s initiative at Ivy Street is helping parents and carers to use stories to connect with their children. Sonia is facilitating workshops to help them tap into their own imagination.
In Sonia’s own words, “It’s about getting back in touch with the child they once were, even if they were not told stories at bedtime when they were young they recognise it is a really special way of engaging and connecting with the children in their lives.
“Books are wonderful but your own unique stories are a very special gift to share with the child in your life. Children become very fond of the characters you create together. And the places you journey to with them through story telling offer a real sense of comfort and adventure and sometimes even help to overcome hurdles in their lives.”
Sonia’s continuing contribution to the Ministry of Stories and its cause shows just how much good can be done with a love of stories and a belief in the power of imagination.
Well done Sonia, and above all thank you.