In 2024,communities in southern Germany and Valencia were hit by severe floods. To support the emotional recovery of affected children, OlamAid, in collaboration with ZWST, launched the project: “All Together After the Flood.” Its goal was to strengthen resilience, learning, and mutual understanding through creative and psychosocial approaches.

This children’s book emerged from the voices of two communities – Rudersberg in Germany and Sedaví in Spain – connected by their shared experiences with the floods. In creative workshops, children and their families shared memories, feelings, and hopes. With the support of therapists, educators, volunteers, and the two communities, difficult experiences were transformed into drawings, stories, and new perspectives.

The result is more than just a book. It serves as a bridge between affected communities and a tool for navigating future crises. Through interactive learning activities, it explains to children what floods are, why they happen, and how they can protect themselves and others.

We extend special thanks to the more than 50 children and their families who participated in the workshops and shared their experiences. We are also grateful to illustrator Melanie G., art therapist Sarah K., advisor Monika B., and the OlamAid project coordinator Felipe O., for their dedication and contributions to this book. Heartfelt thanks also go to the communities of Rudersberg and Sedaví for their invaluable collaboration, as well as to Aktion Deutschland Hilft and Caixa Popular for their support, which made this project possible.

The children's book was created as part of our projects Floods in South Germany and Horizon International.

Results of the Art Therapy Workshops