Storytelling for Healing: My Work with Asma Naimi & StoryKid
Working with Asma Naimi on the visual identity of StoryKid has been an extraordinary journey—one rooted in trust, creativity, and a shared vision for change. Asma’s unwavering commitment to children with refugee backgrounds, her extensive expertise in social entrepreneurship, and her deep personal involvement in mental health care have all shaped this groundbreaking initiative. To be entrusted with bringing this vision to life visually was both a privilege and a deeply inspiring experience.
Designing the visual identity for StoryKid was more than just creating a brand—it was about crafting a visual language that reflects the resilience, hope, and empowerment embedded in the project’s mission. Asma’s trust in my creative process was invaluable, giving me the space to explore, experiment, and ultimately create something that resonates deeply with the heart of StoryKid.
Seeing the project unfold, from initial concepts to the vibrant and impactful visuals now being used in crowdfunding and outreach efforts, is truly rewarding. It serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration, where trust in the process leads to meaningful outcomes.
StoryKid is such a fantastic idea for a tech-enabled therapy solution - children with refugee backgrounds often experience deep trauma, yet many lack access to adequate mental health support. The statistics are staggering—47.2 million displaced children in 2023, compared to 18.8 million in 2010 (UNHCR). Without intervention, the world risks facing a mental health crisis that will affect generations.
StoryKid is designed to change this reality through an innovative, tech-enabled therapy approach. By using storytelling as a healing tool, this project offers:
Inclusive and accessible support is designed for children in displacement who face cultural and language barriers.
Creative and playful expression, helps children take ownership of their stories and find strength in their narratives.
Rooted in Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and developed alongside psycho trauma experts, StoryKid helps children aged 6-12 process their experiences in a structured yet imaginative way. Through the platform, children create a lifeline where traumatic moments are marked as stones and positive moments as flowers. This process allows them to better understand their journey, fostering a sense of identity, resilience, and hope for the future.
At the end of the process, each child receives a personalized booklet—an empowering keepsake of their story.
Ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of children is at the heart of StoryKid. The app functions as a therapeutic tool, but it is always guided by trained professionals. Key safeguards include:
Full consent and involvement of primary caretakers.
Support from real-life therapeutic guides to provide empathetic care.
A complementary, rather than replacement, approach to traditional mental health treatment.
Beyond storytelling, the app also serves as a crucial mechanism for identifying children in urgent need of help, ensuring they receive appropriate care and do not fall through the cracks of existing systems.
One of the aspects that really attracted me to this project is that StoryKid is more than an app—it is a mobile, scalable solution built with inclusivity at its core:
Mobile & Accessible: Designed to reach children wherever they are, including refugee camps and underserved communities.
Culturally Sensitive: Available in multiple languages, allowing children to choose avatars that reflect their identities.
The journey of StoryKid is just beginning. With initial testing in Europe, the goal is to expand to adolescents and other underserved populations. The ultimate vision is to make this tool available to international organizations working in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that as many children as possible receive the support they deserve.
Being part of this project has been a profound reminder of the power of creativity in shaping meaningful change. As I reflect on this journey, I am deeply moved by Asma’s vision and determination, and by the strength of the children this project is designed to support.
The visual identity of StoryKid is more than just a design—it is a beacon of hope, resilience, and the belief that every child’s story matters.
To see the impact of this work and support the project, check out the ongoing crowdfunding efforts. Together, we can help children own their narratives and rebuild their futures.
To learn more or donate, go here.
