I was privileged recently to be asked to represent Sustainable Hackney at a Ministry of Stories ‘Speak Up’ event at Bridge Academy, at which Year 9 students spoke about issues that they care about. They were supported in crafting these speeches, and developing techniques and confidence to deliver them effectively, by volunteer mentors and poet and writing facilitator Laila Sumpton.
The audience of parents and local ‘experts’ in various fields listened to moving speeches about such issues as the cost of living crisis, homelessness, social housing and the right to safer and affordable homes, air pollution, and the importance of local libraries, mental health and racism awareness, and funding for youth projects.
The support the young people had received from the Ministry of Stories was evident in their effective communication skills, including use of researched statistics and real examples - most effectively from their own experience. Also in the links some of the presentations made between the local and the global, from the implications of war and the mediation skills needed to resolve issues, to examples of housing solutions from other countries, and the significance of sports funding, both in Hackney and Africa.
The value of listening to young people’s concerns and experiences was highlighted in a closing speech from Hackney councillor and Speaker, Anya Sizer. I felt that the issues raised are clearly related to Sustainable Hackney’s mission “to protect and enhance the environment, create a sustainable community and contribute to social, economic and environmental justice locally and globally.” We have a lot to learn from these young people!
The Ministry of Stories is based behind Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. They are always looking for volunteers to support their programmes https://ministryofstories.org/
Written by Gillian Symons
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