Stories

sh    pe

the Futu   e

ZULA Tribe rainbow
Empowering children through inclusive storytelling and
literacy initiatives.

Welcome to ZULA tribe

ZULA Tribe is a German non-profit organization committed to combating illiteracy and creating opportunities for all children, regardless of their background or needs. Through impactful storytelling, we inspire young minds, build confidence, and promote inclusivity.

The ZULA Tribe team with some kids in a workshop panting
Inclusive and Sustainable
Literacy Approach

At ZULA Tribe, we bridge the gap between authors, illustrators, educators, and organizations to create and distribute children’s books that reflect diverse experiences. By connecting creatives, partners, and community leaders, we drive impactful change in children's literacy, ensuring sustainable and fair access to storytelling.

Books shapes a child’s future

A book is more than just a story—it creates a repertoire for children, offering them access to different realities, emotions, and opportunities. It teaches emotional literacy, resilience, and creative thinking.
At ZULA Tribe, we support the creation of books that empower young readers with narratives that make learning more accessible and meaningful.
Representation matters from the earliest stages of learning. Exposure to diverse characters, stories, and experiences fosters empathy, confidence, and social awareness in children.
We believe representation should be an integral part of early childhood development and counted as a core aspect of fundamental competencies.
Inclusive storytelling enables children to see themselves in books while also understanding different perspectives, nurturing their cognitive and emotional growth.

Our Initiatives

The Creative Tribe

At the heart of ZULA Tribe is the Creative Tribe, a collective of illustrators, writers, and editors dedicated to changing children's literature. This initiative provides mentorship, professional development, and a publishing platform for BIPoC creatives in Germany.
In 2024, the first cohort of the Creative Tribe came together to create 10 stories, for kids from ages 0-9. These stories address different forms of representation, through a child-wonder lens. These stories are the ZULA Original Books.

The Reading Tribe

The Reading Tribe is a community initiative that brings families together through storytelling. We host regular reading events in Berlin’s community spaces and public libraries, creating an engaging and inclusive environment where children can connect with books and each other.
At our Reading Tribe events, copies of the ZULA Original Books are distributed and donated to the families that attend. These events strengthen local communities, while ensuring kids have the free access to educational and meaningful stories.

Start shaping the future today
Our Team of Change makers
We believe that real
change happens when
passionate individuals
come together.

Through collaboration, creativity,
and community-driven initiatives,
we are shaping the future of
education—one book at a time.

Naimmy Runge

Managing Director

Polina Motyhina

Grants Coordinator - Volunteer

Sascha Vos

Community Fundraising - Volunteer

Catherine Kennon

Impact Strategy - volunteer