Young Leaders from Authoring Our Own Stories Deliver Their Training to Support Professionals

On Wednesday 29th April nine members of the Authoring Our Own Stories (AOOS) team co-presented their first training event of the year to members of NSEAD (National Society in Education Art and Design). The themes explored were Identity, Community, Connection and Belonging. The training materials were based on two resources, co-produced by Young Leaders and workers.

We began the session by creating a group poem, shared in the chat, about The Things We Carry to shape our identities. This icebreaker was based on a powerful writing exercise introduced to us by Matt Abbott Poet – poet, educator & activist.

'I carry my heritage'

'I carry my keys'

'I carry my silver hair'

'I carry my lip gloss'

'I carry memories of my childhood'

'I carry my umbrella'

'I carry my children'

'I carry my optimism that things will get better…'

A New Video Created with Young Leaders Ling Yan Zheng and Natasha Lyons

The Meaning of the River explores what further support staff and volunteers need, to go beyond the mandatory requirements of their varying roles and take a deeper dive to learn more about young people's lives. Attendees included teachers and researchers. The AOOS team presented key learning and gave everyone an opportunity to reflect on the barriers they face as professionals, to provide a richer, more relevant curriculum to young Black and Asian students. Attendees named what a next step might involve for each of them to build a network of care, so they feel more able to nurture a greater sense of community and stronger connectivity, based on what they learned.

After the session professionals said:

"This was an incredible presentation. I'm blown away by all that was shared in such a kind, caring, skilful and knowledgeable way. The video, the artwork, words, the collaboration, and the joining up of experience, and connections and possibilities shared. I could not quite keep up."

"Right from the start every minute was used with so much care - the activities were considered and held us all."

"One of the most inspiring hours I have spent in a very long time…"

"It was such a wondrous event, thank you so much for your efforts over the years. I already knew the impact of this project, and it was utterly joyful to see everyone else on the call become so inspired by the young people and their work."

"Let me add my thanks for a really excellent session and pick up on the suggestion about working with trainee teachers."

"

I would like to jump in here to extend my sincere thanks to you and your team of young presenters for a deeply moving presentation yesterday evening. It was so rich with reflection and creativity."

We are delivering our training throughout the year. For more information about Authoring Our Own Stories email sandra.vacciana@cityoflondon.gov.uk