FAMILY MATTERS MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2015 THE VOICE |25
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MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2015
Award winning writer Dr Jewell Parker Rhodes on writing and unlocking a child’s imagination INSIDE CONFIDENCE BOOST
Three people relate their stories - page 26
FOSTER CARE
Education empowers - page 27
CHILDREN’S BOOKS Civil rights page 28
PHOTO CREDIT: John Beckett
Write End
26| THE VOICE MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2015
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A dose of confidence Instilling confidence in a child or young person is the greatest gift an adult can give. Three people give us their thoughts.
Fostering Achievement LAUREN: Model businesswoman
I
nternational model Lauren Sweeney Fenton runs events staffing agency Brand Angels and Squish Learning, businesses she set up whilst studying at university. My mum has always believed in anything I put my mind to, which has been a great source of confidence for me. She encouraged me to model as a way to overcome my shyness. I think confidence is a by-product of knowing who you are. I found my true identity in God and the message that I can do all things. When you’re sure of who you are other people’s opinions can’t shake you. Leah Garrett, aged 13, is an active member of the Hertfordshire UK Youth Parliament and has interviewed Green Party leader Natalie Bennett. I think confidence is not being afraid to do things and not being afraid of re-
JAMES: founder, Generation Success
jection and being sure of yourself. I feel confident when I’m around people that are confident too. I’ve found that the more practice you put in, the more confident you get when you’re doing something. When I spoke at the House of Commons, I found confidence from the passion I had for my subject. My mum and dad are always putting me in new situations where I have to be confident. Law graduate James Adeleke played football as a teenager and aspired to play professionally. An accident on the playing field ended his dreams. He is the founder of Generation Success, which helps young people forge careers in business, law or finance. Football taught me the winning mentality needed to take on life, it taught me to have confidence in one’s ability and that hard
DIRECTORY
Generation Success Young adults and professionals can grow or improve their career ambitions with this organisation that runs a programme of events led by professionals from the financial, business and legal world: www.generation-success.com Rocking UR Teens encourages young people to fulfil their potential through mentoring, networking with industry professionals and talks on career development: www.rockingurteens.com
Leah Garrett: Youth parliament
work is a formula for true life success. A mistake lasts for a second on the field and the game provides you with 90 minutes to make up for it. The same can be said in life. We make mistakes, we get stressed, we fall. Those failures only last for as long as we let them. My mum always says that we have to work twice as hard as anyone else. She also says if there’s anyone in your way, if there’s a barrier or a door that’s closed, have confidence in yourself and work hard to overcome them. She believes in staying in your lane and looking forward.
Zion Zachary is studying for a Master’s degree and is a Young Ambassador for London Fostering Achievement. Foster care has impact. ZION: Young Ambassador
“Knowledge is like gold dust. Education has positively impacted me by keeping me on the right path, so I know that if a young person is given that same opportunity, they are highly likely to have a better outcome in life.” “I was only with my foster carers for 18 months but they really supported my education and pushed me to do more studying all the time.” Foster care is also about promoting a child’s educational wellbeing. Find out how you can enrich and empower children”s lives during Foster Care Fortnight run by the fostering Network. (Www.fostering.net). Join the conversation on Twitter #FCF2015
Find out how to foster: www.fostering.net
LENNY HENRY
LASHANA LYNCH
EDUCATING
RITA LIMITED AVAILABILITY 18 JUNE - 25 JULY 01243 781312 cft.org.uk
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Jewell of a writer Jewell-Rhodes (Author)
When I was young, they called me “little professor” – no one imagined I would grow up to be a professor. I am one of the first in my family to graduate from college. Books played an important part in this future and, of course, good stories taught me the power of narrative.
AWARD WINNER: Dr Jewell Parker Rhodes Nat Disu: How important were stories to you as a child? Jewell Parker Rhodes: My grandmother raised me and she told stories all the time. Summer nights we’d sit on the steps outside and she’d regal me and my cousins with stories. Plus, every weekday afternoon after school, Grandmother and me would watch the 4.00 o’clock movie. These films inspired my imagination. But books and more books really touched my heart and stirred my creativity. All I ever wanted was books.
ND: Why write for children? JPR: I always wanted to write for children. Books saved my life and taught me it was possible to overcome adversity, loneliness and poverty. I think kids deserve the very, very best, so I spent decades learning my craft [writing books for adults] and awaiting the “call” [to write children’s books]. After nearly four decades of writing, I received the call. ND: There are a number of books aimed at black children featuring folklore, which some parents may not feel at ease with. What does folklore mean to you and what is its place in your novel Bayou Magic? JPR: Folklore is the most basic of societal impulses – that is to transmit culture. Folklore may be tales,
Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes is a multi-award winning music, oral history, behaviour (such matic, character driven stories. But I fiction and non fiction as healing rituals) and even arte- try to layer my children’s stories with facts. All of us but particularly the as much history, imagery and ideas writer. She teaches grandmother in Bayou Magic is as I would with an adult book. My passing down cultural traditions. By purpose is to have my books last-creative writing and learning older traditions, Maddy [the for them to be substantive enough protagonist] is better equipped to to enjoy emotionally and to stimulate is the Piper Endowed navigate her world both the old and intellectually. I want my books to empower youth--so the “rite of pasthe new. Chair and Founding sage” becomes a significant thematic arc as characters learn to trust ND: How important is Artistic Director of the their heart, their instincts and to build legacy in Bayou Magic? Virginia G. Piper JPR: Legacy and cultural transmis- lasting friendships and community. sion informs everything in my ficCenter for Creative tional worlds. Telling tales, nurturing ND: Is it important to generations and transmitting emo- write children’s books Writing at Arizona tional, practical, spiritual and scien- that reflect the “black” experitific knowledge is an obligation we ence? State University. She JPR: Reflecting the African Ameriall have – even children. can experience is important. It talksSERVICE to Nat (LLP) Disu PRACTITIONERS wasn’t until I was 19 that I realized ND: How much of the child is IMMIGRATION black people wrote books! Once still in you? about the power of JPR: The child is still very much I knew that I switched my major English. lack of diversityConsultants in inside of me. I embarrass my kids Our toteam of So, Immigration Solicitors storiesand and gives tips with my laughter and love of picture books, I think hampers other voices is made up of former Immigration Advisory Service books, animals and animated mov- and excludes other stories. Having on ways to unlock a have said that, all who my books are many multi- years of experience ies. When I’m giving a talk and I’m employees SERVICE (LLP) ethnic. PRACTITIONERS White characters, Chinese super excited, I IMMIGRATION even start to jump in immigration applications andchild’s appealsimagination procedures. and Vietnamese characters, Creoles and skip. I can’t help it! and Cajuns - all sorts of people live through reading, writin my books and I’m always trying ND: Is it important to write chilteam of Immigration Consultants to show how friendship and love can dren’s books Our with a purpose? ingand and Solicitors observation.
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bridge culture and enrich humanity. of former Immigration Advisory Service employees who have many years of experience in immigration applications and appeals procedures.
JPR: I’m alwaysistrying to write up dramade
Gifts for Father’s Day Acknowledge the role your dad or parent figure plays in your life with a present to suit all budgets. • Send an African Caribbean card with a love poem • Give a personalised photo jigsaw puzzle • Impress with a kente cloth or Jamaica inspired waistcoat from CG Couture: www.ClarisciaGill.com • Picnic in the park and create some delectable Caribbean dishes from Gran Cocina
Latina: The Food of Latin America by Maricel E Presilla • Give dad fancy feet with shoes from Mr Hare: www.mrhare.com • Treat dad to gourmet Jamaica - black cake and Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee – one of the finest in the world. • Give a customised towel or towelling robe. Sit with the children to cut out letters or shapes from colourful fabrics and get them sewn on to a
bath towel or robe. • Love history of the Cinema? Visit the Cinema Museum in Kennington London, home to some cinema memorabilia: www.cinema.org.uk • Take in the street food experience. Fish, Wings & Tings, Brixton, gets rave reviews. Trinidadian • Afrocentric home décor is the rage. Try a lamp or illustration. See Copper Dust London for ideas.
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Our team of Immigration Consultants and Solicitors is made up of former Immigration Advisory Service employees who have many years of experience in immigration applications and appeals procedures. Do you require advice in Immigration, Human Rights and Asylum matters? If so, then contact Immigration Practitioners Service (IPS) for a professional, friendly and affordable service. IPS offers the following applications and appeal services:
• Student applications (Tier 4) and Appeals: • Spouse/Partners Applications • Family Reunion Applications (Dependant children and relative) and Appeals: If so, then contact Immigration Practitioners Service Tier (IPS) for a professional, • Employment based Applications 1 and 2; friendly and affordable Rights service. IPS offers the following applications and appeal services: • Human Applications and Appeals; Do you require advice in Immigration, Human Rights and Asylum matters? • Applications against Deportation andprofessional, Appeal; If so, then contactapplications Immigration Service (IPS) for aRights • Student (TierPractitioners 4) and Appeals • Human Applications • EEA applications and appeals; friendly and affordable service. IPS offers the following applications and and Appeals Spouse/Partners appeal • services: • AsylumApplications applications and appeals you require advice in Immigration, Human • Rights and Asylum matters? Applications against Deportation and other immigration matters. • FamilyDo Reunion Applications If so, then contact Immigration Practitioners Service (IPS) for a professional, and Appeal • Student applications (Tier 4) and Appeals: friendly and affordable service. IPS offers the following applications and (Dependant children • Legal Aidand relative) appeal services:
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• EEA applications and appeals and Appeals • Spouse/Partners Applications • 203 Student applications (Tier 4) Appeals: Langdale House, 11 Marshalsea Road, • Family Reunion Applications • Employment based Applications •and Asylum applications and appeals • Spouse/Partners Applications London, SE1 1EN Tier 1• and and other immigration matters We are2 3 minutes from Boroughand Tube Station on the northern Line, Near London Bridge Station (Dependant children relative) and Appeals: Family Reunion Applications Tel: 0203 176 5216 Fax: 0203 176 5217 (Dependant children and07818 relative) and Appeals: Makunzva: 0665221 • Employment basedPrimerose Applications Tier and 2; Tel:Employment 0203Primerose 176 5216 • Fax: 0203 176 5217 • Email: pmakunzva@ipslegal.com • based Applications Tier 1 and 2; Makunzva: 07818 066522 • HumanEmail: and Appeals; p.makunzva@ipslegal.com | Email: info@ipslegal.com 203Applications Langdale House, 11 Marshalsea Road, London, SE1 1EN •Rights Human Rights Applications and Appeals; We are 3 minutes from Borough Tube Station on the northern Line, Near London Bridge Station • Applications Deportation Appeal; • Applications againstagainst Deportation andand Appeal; • EEA applications and appeals; • EEA applications and appeals; • Asylum applications and appeals • Asylum applications and appeals and other immigration matters. Regulated by the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (F2011000314) Regulated by the Law Society Regulation Authority • Legal Aid and other immigration matters. Registered in England and Wales Partnership No: OC366633 • Legal Aid203 Langdale House, 11 Marshalsea Road,
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Children’s books March: Book one, by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, published by Top Shelf Productions (2013), and March: Book Two (2015)
Award winning graphic novels about the civil rights movement merged with the story of John Lewis, one of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, who became a U.S Congressman. The books, not text heavy, are excellent for starting conversations on equalities, social issues, advocacy, activism and history. The visuals make them ideal for reluctant readers and anyone interested in graphics. Suggested reading age range: 13+ Bayou Magic, by Little Brown Young Readers Maddy is the youngest of three sisters who often sees herself as the odd one out of them all. This changes one summer when it is her turn to spend time with her grandmere (grandmother) who lives in the Bayou. Though her sisters disliked their trip when they went, she starts enjoying the life, learning about her heritage and getting to know the locals and their traditions. Maddy finds she has inherited the special powers that have been passed down the matriarchal side of her family for generations. She learns about confidence and begins to absorb her grandmother’s teachings and words steeped in proverbs and sayings. When an oil spill threatens the community, Maddy calls on her special powers, evoking the help of Mata Wata, a mermaid that only she can see. Bayou Magic is a story that is beautifully told and so rich in imagery and description that one can cook some of the dishes mentioned. Bayou Magic draws on folklore, healing,
values and what community and identity means. It hints that whatever happens, Maddy will always thrive and strive. Suggested reading age range: 8+ subjheading:
The Jumbies, by Tracey Baptiste, published by Alonquin Young Readers (2015) Caribbean folklore runs through this novel about 11 year old Corinne La Mer who has heard stories about The Jumbies (tricksters) but does not believe in them until she manages to stir a jumbie out of the forest on All Hallow’s Eve and then the adventures begin. Children who like fantasy, mystery or suspense should enjoy. Suggested reading age range 10+
with photographs enhancing every entry. Guess the subject of each letter if you can - O is for One Love and X for Xamayca (one of the earliest names for Jamaica). It is ideal for children to share with relatives living with dementia who may have a link to Jamaica. Suggested reading age range: 6+
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Ebony Reads marks the release on DVD of acclaimed movie Selma with these publications and revisits a classic A-Z book.
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TWEET CHAT WATCH #Sicklecellchat Thursdays 1am (GMT) Join experts and people living with sickle cell for the weekly live chat on issues. Catch up by searching for #sicklecellchat. A tweet campaign #speakonsicklecellobama urges President Obama to give the disease profile. World Sickle Cell Day is 19 June.
Marching for Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don’t You Grow Weary, by Elizabeth Partridge, published by Viking Children’s Books (2009) Highlights the role schoolchildren and teenagers played in the civil rights movement. Provides accounts from those involved together with documentary photographs from the time. Children as young as 10 were arrested in their quest for equality. It shows how children and young people can effect change. Suggested reading age range 11+ Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom, by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, published by Dial Books (2015) Lynda Blackmon Lowry was the
youngest person to march from her hometown in Selma to Montgomery in 1965. This motivational memoir tells how she was inspired to join the movement on hearing Dr Martin Luther King speak at an event she attended with her grandmother. She had been arrested 9 times before the age of 15 and bares a scar on the back of her head from an Alabama state trooper during a demonstration when she was 14. Suggested reading age range: 12+ J is for Jamaica, by Benjamin Zephaniah, Prodeepta Das, published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, (2006) An A-Z book capturing the history and vibrancy of Jamaica
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