“I AM UNIQUE” – a recent event held at University of Bedfordshire (Luton Campus), by a Luton-based social enterprise ‘Att10tive’, brought together nearly 150 people, including many young people from Luton’s religiously, culturally and ethnically diverse communities.
Managing Director Montell Neufville said, “Besides bringing communities together to make a positive difference, Att10tive also delivers training, support and advice to schools, colleges and other public & voluntary sector organisations.”
He added, “Today is about presenting young people’s creative work through poems, photographs, paintings and drawings, showcasing and embracing individual identities and their uniqueness, as well as celebrating the town’s diversity.”
Project Leader Julia Popielarek said, “To make today happen, involved more than 80 young artists’ artwork, 4 schools, 2 colleges, and 8 poets.”
Thanking all the Youth Ambassadors, the partners, and the project sponsor Near Neighbours, Julie said, “Today we are demonstrating the motto of Att10tive Luton in action, which is to engage, educate and empower.”
A young boy named Lorell shared a poem that perfectly captured the spirit of the event – “Do you really know me? Do you know the hidden stories that have shaped me through my days? I am more than just a writer. I’m a human, with a soul. I have dreams and fears and hopes and doubts, and joys that make me whole. You may admire or criticise. You may love or hate my work. But don't judge me by a paragraph that cannot scratch my worth. For I am more than what you read; I am more than what you see. I am more than just an author. I’m Lorell, and I’m unique.”
The project, according to the coordinator of Luton's Near Neighbours Programme, has undoubtedly boosted the self-worth and self-esteem of many young people. It was a superb piece of creative work, and because it was activity-based, it inspired young people to create and exhibit their artwork to a larger audience.
Sharing his personal life story, Sal Naseem, a Police Accountability Expert from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) encouraged young people by saying, “Success comes after many failures. You can do anything with fortitude, resilience and support. Embrace your uniqueness and use your (cultural, ethnic or religious) difference to make a positive difference in our world.”
Lorell, the young poet (L) and Sal Naseem, of the Independent Office for Police Conduct –IOPC (R) at I AM UNIQUE event held by Luton based social enterprise ‘Att10tive’ at University of Bedfordshire Luton Campus. The event was funded by Near Neighbours Programme.
Young People’s Artwork displayed at I AM UNIQUE event held by Luton based social enterprise ‘Att10tive’ at University of Bedfordshire Luton Campus. The event was funded by Near Neighbours Programme
Young People’s Artwork displayed at I AM UNIQUE event held by Luton based social enterprise ‘Att10tive’ at University of Bedfordshire Luton Campus. The event was funded by Near Neighbours Programme