My son recommended I watch the movie Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank. It is based on a real story about a newly qualified teacher Erin  Gruwell and a class of “unteachable, at risk teenagers” in Long Beach,California. I would recommend the movie so I won’t spoil the story but suffice to say they found a way to work together, learning about themselves along the way. Take a look at the website of the Freedom Writers Foundation for more details.

It is my firm belief that when young people and children find a way to tell their stories the outcome can only benefit us all. Erin and the Freedom Writers did this in the written word. For those who have not mastered writing skills – which happens for all sorts of reasons – then the most obvious other way is by the spoken word.

I was touched to hear the stories of the young people in London on Monday. Any time I have spent with young people and children I have heard something in their own words that makes me think. A young man I was working with last year told me that, although he felt he had a lot to contribute,  he did not expect to be listened to – which I think is sad but true.

One particular aspect of telling their stories though is brought out in the film. Whilst it is really important for adults and those in a position to make decisions listen to the young people I also believe that it is important for the young people themselves to listen to each other to recognise the similarities rather than only notice the differences. During the Speak Up Speak Out training one important step is the This is Me section where each participant tells a story about themself for about 1 minute. It is impossible to predict what will come up. All I know is that watching the responses of the others hearing the stories resulted in agreement, laughter, looks of concern …in other words connection with that person in the moment.

Even if they are against what the other person is saying at least they have been in a position to hear their story.