23 July 2026

Creative ESOL animation workshop celebrates Refugee Week

A group of six people are gathered around round tables in a wood-panelled room. They are all looking to a large TV screen that is showing a scene from an animated film.

During Refugee Week (15 to 21 June 2026), Glasgow Life Creative ESOL learners enjoyed an inspiring animation workshop at the Mitchell Library.

The workshop was organised by ESOL Tutor Julie Fraser and led by award-winning Russian director and animator Ivan Pavlov. Ivan has worked on Disney projects and is now making a new life in Glasgow. He shared his creative journey and introduced participants to character creation and storytelling.

Learners from Sudan, Syria, Brazil, Hong Kong and Russia watched and discussed Ivan's short Babushka animation series. Together, they explored happiness, hope, family and belonging, connecting the story closely with the spirit of Refugee Week.

The group also discussed Ivan's next episode, Happy Bird Day!!, where a mysterious bluebird guides Babushka towards a refugee child in need.

The session was creative, moving and memorable, giving learners the chance to practice English, share ideas and experience the power of animation to tell stories across cultures.

Find out more about our ESOL courses and support on our website at:

https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/learn-something-new/esol-english-for-speakers-of-other-languages