AOP were thrilled to be teaching children and young people about their rights, the history of protest, power in community and the skills to articulate their voice. Teaching young people the technical skills of spray painting, this protest mural is a call for action. What the children were asking for is EQUALITY - a word they chose. Are you ready to listen and more importantly ready to act? See the young people in action here
Professor Skelton provided a powerful lecture in York which demonstrated the power of peaceful mobilisation. Children first protested in Wales over 100 years ago against corporal punishment and it was in 1986 it was made illegal. AOP took key lessons to share with the children and young people at Door 84.
Gemma Waygood, Senior Project Manager, Children’s Social Worker and Trauma-Informed lead explained
“AOP broke this down to really simple messages. In the current climate young people need to know they have a right to safety, education, being free from discrimination and sharing their right to peaceful assembly. Increasingly this is being undermined and the atrocities and genocide globally show we need to protect and support children rights.
Jeff Clark, Creative Director explained “We are here to advocate for them, empower them but we also need those more privileged to listen, support and invest in children and young people. We want the best for the future and need those in power and with investment to support Door 84 and creative learning.”
The young people fed back “We have been learning about our rights and our protest”
What they want is “Equality, everyone should have their own free will without people judging who they are”
The session was “Creative and fun”
George Arksey, Youth Manager at Door 84, said
“The workshops have been incredible at inspiring the young people, making them feel important and listened too. It’s so important to get the investment for this type of creative and structured programme - it’s really made a difference and we want to keep the momentum going”.
There is a desperate need to educate and enable children and young people with both practical, creative and social skills not taught in mainstream education. In the UK nearly 1 in 3 children live in poverty, 1 in 8 schools are in a funding deficit and a budget crisis for children with special educational needs. There is a crisis in our mental health services, and community, connection and positive activities are known to support positive mental health.
AOP provides creative learning workshops and talent development to provide opportunities for children struggling in mainstream education, who may have neurodiverse needs or a passion to enter the creative industry through our talent development programme. This is a call for action. Children have the right to education, the right to peaceful protest and are asking for equality. Get in touch if you are ready to listen?
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