On Thursday 30th May 2024, SLRA hosted the 3rd Youth Summit and Exhibition. Over 150 people were welcomed to a day full of activities, workshops and an art exhibition. It was a beautiful, sunny day where people were able to connect with each other despite differences of country, language, race or gender; everybody was equal and had a chance to use their voice.
Balloons guided the way into our registration desk and once people were registered, they were free to look at the art exhibition and meet people. Attendees could find their way to different workshops across the building using the event’s programme and colour-coded map.
Members of the planning committee welcomed everyone with speeches and two of our best young people performed powerful poetry at the start and end of the event. It was wonderful poetry and everyone was touched by their words.
The workshops were very informative and helpful, sharing information about immigration, community organising and research. For example, a young person from SLRA hosted a panel discussion about the immigration support pledge campaign. Two young people from Citizens UK also delivered a workshop about community organising projects and getting young people involved, which we all need. Young leaders from We Belong ran a workshop about understanding the process of getting status, which everybody needs as a young asylum seeker, especially because English is not their first language.
Brighter Futures hosted a discussion about their zine, created as part of their youth club, about positive emotions. We know that housing is a big issue and so three young people from Revoke wanted to make a film about people’s experiences of housing within the migrant community. We wanted young migrants to know more about research so invited a researcher from Bedfordshire University to explain what research means and share about the research project we are doing with SLRA.
We also had fun drama, games and outdoor activities including table-tennis and chess, which everyone gave really nice feedback about. Phosphoros Theatre delivered a wonderful workshop with 60 people participating. Two artists created lino prints and posters with young people, thinking about community and coming together in protest. Over lunch, a singer created a nice atmosphere with her flowing voice. A big thank you to the local Eritrean restaurant who provided the food, as well as the community cooks who volunteered to make little sandwiches and salads, which tasted really nice.
The best thing from this event was the feedback. It warmed my heart that people had a good time and I wish we could have more events like this one, I am glad we did it.
Let’s warm your heart with this feedback from the young people:
This blog post was written by a SLRA Young Community Leader who was involved in the Youth Summit & Exhibition Planning Committee.
You can read more feedback and find out more about the event in our Youth Summit & Exhibition 2024 Report here.
Big thanks to Jared Arteaga Solano and William Hadley for the beautiful photos of the day.
