IT has been a busy week for the North West Migrant Forum with the start of our summer scheme.
Week one saw the eight to ten-year-old group engage in a colourful art project under the guidance of artist Estefania Baena Navarro. They then took in a movie and bowling at Derry’s Brunswick Moviebowl before making a splash at Creggan Country Park.
The summer scheme has been made possible through funding from the Co-Op Foundation’s Future Communities Fund which aims to encourage young people into positions of leadership.
Overseeing the six weeks of activities are youth leaders Idris Mahmud Mohammed, Ahmed Osama Abbas, Welday Kidanu, Kibrom Hadush, Mohamad Abdalhalim, Brooke Houten, Deirbhile Herron, Caoimhe Greenberg and Adrián Courcelles Baena.
The Future Communities Fund is designed to encourage young people to get active, get involved and meet new friends. It is also about giving them a voice and the confidence to grow both personally and professionally.
Reflecting on week one of the summer camp, Adrián Courcelles Baena said, “We started the week with a group kids who were, mostly, new to each other.
“They quickly became comfortable with one another, helping each other out and enjoying all the activities. On the first day they had a Picasso-inspired workshop, provided by Estefania Baena Navarro, where they learnt the basics of cubism and abstract art. They then used what they had learnt to design their own t-shirts.”
Day two saw the youngest cohort enjoy a day out at the Brunswick Moviebowl where they went to the cinema followed by bowling.
Youth leader Deirbhile Herron added, “By day three everyone had come out of their shells.
“They enjoyed a day of activities at Creggan Country Park where many pushed themselves to overcome fears of swimming and jumping into the water.
“Overall the group was a pleasure to work with and it seemed that they all finished the week with truly valuable memories.”
This week it is the turn of the ten to 13-year-olds before the 14 to 17-year-olds take centre stage. Keep an eye on our website and all our social media platforms for photos, videos and updates.