Cultural Awareness Group CIC

Cultural Awareness Group CIC received European funding to collaborate with Loyola School in Prizren (Kosovo) to co-create an intensive artistic summer course, benefiting over 120 young people from various minority and marginalised communities.

The programme brought five arts specialists from London and together with the Kosovan children, co-created a contemporary full length musical theatre production.

The project was designed to bring the arts to communities who are facing barriers, discrimination and poverty.

The programme brought joy, positivity and boosted mental health and morale. The young people gained new skills, creative insights and confidence, which will support them for the rest of their lives.

The performances were cohesive, bringing together and celebrating different communities, it was also televised nationally.

Funded by the National Lottery Fund and in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum in 2009, a documentary was produced titled "Displacement: Two Generations, One Experience." The documentary, available at https://vimeo.com/335171812, was part of an educational program that was produced and directed by Tomorr Kokona, whose work can be found at www.tomorrkokona.com.

The project brought together two generations separated by more than 70 years: London's displaced children who were evacuated during the Nazi Blitz and today's asylum seekers and refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia, and other countries. Despite the time gap, they shared a common experience of displacement, which served as the thread connecting their stories.

In this poignant project, the younger generation expressed their often harrowing experiences through various art forms, while also listening to the stories of the elderly individuals who had lived through wartime. Through this exchange, the project aimed to forge human connections, tackle loneliness, and address the challenges of displacement.

The documentary provided a platform for these personal narratives to be heard and understood, highlighting the resilience and strength of those who have faced displacement. It offered a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have been uprooted from their homes and sought refuge in a new land.

Through the power of storytelling and artistic expression, the project aimed to foster empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the experiences of displaced individuals. It shed light on the shared humanity that transcends time and cultural backgrounds, creating a space for dialogue and connection between different generations and communities.

Heritage Champions was an exciting Arts Award project presented by the Museum of London, the Shpresa Programme, and Mayfield School, in collaboration with renowned International Producer and Choreographer, Tomorr Kokona (Cultural Awareness Group CIC). The project aimed to empower and inspire young people, particularly those from the Shpresa Programme, to explore their heritage and cultural identity in a safe and nurturing environment.

The project revolved around the work of Besa Berberi, a well-known Kosovo/Albanian singer, and her album "7 Ninulla, dite te javes" (7 Lullabies - days of the week). This vibrant compilation of traditional Albanian lullabies, sung by Besa and accompanied by other professional artists, served as a source of inspiration and learning for the young participants.

Throughout the project, the children had the opportunity to delve into Albanian songs, music, history, and architecture, all while simultaneously developing their Albanian and English language skills. The highlight of their journey was two performances held at the prestigious Museum of London Docklands, where they showcased their talents alongside Besa Berberi and other young performers.

Furthermore, the project went beyond the performances, as the participants continued their artistic exploration by working towards the Arts Award qualification. They created records of their journey, including photographs, essays, drawings, and personal opinions, which were assessed by an external moderator for the Explorer and Bronze levels.

Heritage Champions provided an enriching platform for young people to engage with their cultural heritage, express their creativity, and develop valuable skills in the arts. It celebrated diversity, fostered pride in cultural identity, and nurtured a passion for the arts among the participants.