The Mayor of Newham attended Power and Pride: Youth Voices with local school children, to celebrate the results of a powerful community project.
At the event Rokhsana Fiaz OBE met pupils of Gainsborough Primary School to hear the original poetry that they’ve penned as part of creative workshops with Berkeley.
‘Nature Trail Re-Imagined’ is a compilation of poetry and artwork created by 22 pupils, in a partnership designed to empower them to share their voice, celebrate local culture, and learn new skills.
Black entrepreneurs; award-winning author Venessa Taylor, and designers from IVY Studios, were brought together by Berkeley to help the Year 6 children create works inspired by prominent black poet, and former Newham resident, Benjamin Zephaniah.
They reimagined his famous piece Nature Trail, chosen because of the expansive green space that will form part of Newham’s emerging TwelveTrees Park neighbourhood.
Several of the pupils taking part in the project now live at TwelveTrees Park.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said “It was wonderful to see the incredible talent of local young people on display as part of this important community project, showcasing the powerful impact young voices have in our borough.
“Working closely with Berkeley we’re delivering 1,650 affordable homes that will go to local families at either a significant market discount or at London Affordable Rent, alongside a stunning 12-acre park and a brand-new school.
Together we’re building a better and fairer future full of opportunity for everyone in Newham.”
Harry Lewis, Berkeley’s Divisional Land & Development Director, said “Seeing these local schoolchildren light up as they shared their poems is proof that projects like this really do make a difference to the local community. We take great care to deliver meaningful projects that meet local needs. From skills and training to youth engagement, local people are already benefitting from a regeneration project that will run for more than a decade.”
Berkeley is working with Gainsborough Primary School and several other schools and community groups in Newham, around its regeneration site TwelveTrees Park. The major regeneration site will include a 12-acre park, 1000-pupil secondary school, and 1,650 affordable homes for local people, alongside £67 million of contributions to improve local infrastructure and services.
Read the full poetry zine here.