Buzzing with excitement
Oakgrove Garden at Oakgrove Primary School was filled with a lively buzz as the children making up an International group of Junior Creative Writers from the school, working with Maryhill Integration Network (mIN), launched their new book “The Right To Dream”.
Highlighting issues impacting children locally and globally
As a group they address various issues affecting children in Glasgow and across the world. Readings were just a small sample of their creative work. Shelby Nixon wrote about children in other countries unable to go to school “I feel very sad about the children who don’t have the same opportunities as me.” I enjoyed an observation by Rayane Souidi about his life today, “My Dad says I’m a good ball kicker as I can kick with both feet”.
Children share their thoughts in their own words
Adult workers spoke of the importance of hearing a message in simple terms from children, which often got to the heart of the matter. Equally, the group helps bring the children together and integrate further while in Primary School. By publishing their work Remzije Sherifi, development co-ordinator at mIN, hopes it will “break down barriers”, reaching a wider audience.
Treated to music, dancing and spectacular attire
We were entertained by the Children’s Choir, accompanied by celtic harp, and the MIN Dance Group. Dance with billowing, brightly coloured skirts ended in a fast finale which contained African, Iranian and Venezuelan influences.
I was slightly caught up in the children’s excited rush for tasty cakes as they finished – struck by the energy, happiness and cohesiveness of this group of young writers. Though still at Primary School, each one was also today congratulated on being a newly published author. Result!
