Testimonials: poetry workshops, residencies and projects
Holy Trinity School, Weymouth: The Power of Poetry project with Louisa Adjoa Parker and the Ethnic Minority Acheivement Service (Dorset County Council), managed by Gail Aldwin
Pupils developed an increased sense of self
- She (Louisa) made me feel proud of myself (year 6 girl from an ethnic minority group)
- I am what I am and I cannot try to be someone other than myself (year 6 girl)
- Self esteem increased for many of the pupils (Head of Year 6)
- I am me, and I am special and I have good ideas (year 6 boy)
Pupils recognised the power of poetry as a means of exploring emotions
- Poetry can change a lot of things, especially how you feel (year 6 girl)
- Poetry means something in this world (year 6 boy)
- People can express their feelings through poetry (year 6 boy)
- Poetry has different meanings and it is sometimes about what the poet feels – even the ups and downs (year 6 girl)
Pupils reflected on the experiences of people from ethnic minority groups
- I’ve learnt lots. I have learnt how some people are taken in by racism (year 6 boy)
- I have learnt about different cultures and that conditions can be bad for people who have different coloured skin (year 6 girl)
- I have learnt that black and white people should be treated in the same way. All black and white people have a history (year 6 girl)
- I learnt that we are all the same, but some people are just not the same colour (year 6 girl)
St Michael's Primary School, Lyme Regis
Year 6 children were enthused and engaged when working with a 'real writer' when Louisa visited our school. They were able to share their ideas and thoughts openly due to the way in which she was happy to share her own very personal memories with children. Using her own work and some carefully chosen pieces, the children were inspired to create
their own poems following a distinct theme. These poems became part of a classbook which will be shared with others as they progress through the school. A very enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Nicholas Kiddle
Oldway Primary, Paignton
Thank you so much - the children (and us adults) got so much out of the day. Your poetry is beautiful and it inspired the children to write some of the best poetry I've seen them produce - in the shortest time! Your openness enabled them to be open too!
Debbie Weible
We Black Men of England: Writing residency at HM Portland Young Offenders Institution
Poems from the book: We Black Men of England edited by Louisa Adjoa Parker
Family Life
Family life, I mean what can I say
It’s the aspect that gets me through problems each day
Without them, I don’t think I’d be alive
Their love and support has helped me survive
By them I mean my sister and brother
Unlike some, I still have a father and mother
I guess I’ve been lucky – it hasn’t all been paradise
On road there’s pain, but at home it’s very nice
I love my family, but things can be bad
I used to argue constantly with my brother and dad
I guess we were fighting to be man of the house
So our family ties were nearly torn like a blouse
The women of the house brought peace to our home
In my house it was hard to find time alone
But the mad thing, it wasn’t even a bad thing
We weren’t the richest but we always had things
We made do, didn’t always have the best
But on the surface it would be hard to guess
Love got us through everyday trials
Had hard times, but we came through with smiles
Life isn’t fair, but my family is fair
With them, there is nothing I am afraid to share
Truthfully, I wouldn’t trade them for a thing
Money, cars, mansions, islands, NOT ANYTHING!
Lamont
Ode to Freedom
I lie in the stillness of the night,
I look up at the ceiling, pitch black as a moonless sky,
My thoughts wander through time.
I think of the past and all the mistakes I’ve made,
The things I want to but cannot change.
The present and all its fears
And everything I so desperately
Want to run away from.
The future and its uncertainty;
I am dubious about it all.
What will tomorrow unfold?
What gifts will the future bring?
Will it hold in its hands love, joy, peace, prosperity, success?
Or will it unravel destruction and calamity
Too grave for me to imagine,
Too sorrowful to remain in my thoughts?
I wish to see the silver lining of this dark cloud.
I wish to see the clear blue sky.
I wish to see the sun rising in the east;
Its rays beaming, gloriously shining, victoriously dispelling
The darkness, bringing blessing and restoration to me.
The song-birds are fluttering their feathery wings in the sky.
They are dancing and singing way up high.
If there’s one thing I desire,
One thing I won’t deny –
Freedom! Freedom! Freedom! That’s my cry!
Keon
To read about the project visit these BBC pages:
