Watch this short animated film by a ex-detainee Palestianian children which, although it may not seem initially relevant to our thinking, has immense implications about how disadvantaged children express themselves and their disadvantages.
This brought to mind an event we've been promoting at COVER recently, which is all about putting young people at the centre of your organisation. 'Together we can change our world' is a Youth Forum taking place later this year. It's a weekend of peer-led discussions around three of the Millennium Development Goals. It gives young people a chance to engage with the topics for the benefit of their organisation, local community and the wider world: http://www.hautbois.org.uk/uploads/downloads/download_427.pdf Maybe this post could kickstart some best practice and case study sharing of how innovative young people have been central to the work of your organisation?
Given the opportunity, disadvantaged people will always express themselves freely and uniquely. The problem is the well intentioned 'professional', determined to integrate people within what is percieved as mainstream society.
A great example of what can be done if you nurture difference rather than seek to homogenise is the Congolese band Staff Bendi Bilili - these polio 'victims' dance in their wheellchairs, jiggle their useless limbs and play the most amazing music. See my blog on the Civil Society website here http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/blogs/content/9250/its_ok_to_wibble_when_you_piddle
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ReplyDeleteThis brought to mind an event we've been promoting at COVER recently, which is all about putting young people at the centre of your organisation. 'Together we can change our world' is a Youth Forum taking place later this year. It's a weekend of peer-led discussions around three of the Millennium Development Goals. It gives young people a chance to engage with the topics for the benefit of their organisation, local community and the wider world: http://www.hautbois.org.uk/uploads/downloads/download_427.pdf Maybe this post could kickstart some best practice and case study sharing of how innovative young people have been central to the work of your organisation?
ReplyDeleteGiven the opportunity, disadvantaged people will always express themselves freely and uniquely. The problem is the well intentioned 'professional', determined to integrate people within what is percieved as mainstream society.
ReplyDeleteA great example of what can be done if you nurture difference rather than seek to homogenise is the Congolese band Staff Bendi Bilili - these polio 'victims' dance in their wheellchairs, jiggle their useless limbs and play the most amazing music. See my blog on the Civil Society website here http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/blogs/content/9250/its_ok_to_wibble_when_you_piddle