Waitematā Local Board has contributed funding towards spoken word workshops for youth at schools in the local board area. The workshops, run by Action Education with South Auckland Poets Collective, aim to introduce students to spoken word poetry as a safe outlet for sharing personal perspectives and stories.
15 free workshops
The project will see the facilitation of 15 free workshops over the next 12 months at Auckland Girls Grammar, Western Springs College and Ngā Puna o Waiōrea.
Action Education manager Ramon Narayan says spoken word gives young people from every walk of life a voice, allowing them opportunities to take part in a conversation with their peers. The workshops also help students build their writing and literacy skills, along with self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills.
“Our workshops are often the first experience young people have with this art form and they open a door to an extremely supportive community of young writers, artists and poets.”
Empowering young people
“Our aim is to empower young people to break down stereotypes and isolation. We hear poems from students on a diverse range of topics including race relations, poverty and gender politics,” he said.
Waitematā Local Board Chair Pippa Coom says the local board are very pleased to support the project.
“Spoken word is a powerful art form that can benefit young people in multiple ways including social support through connections with others and enhancing literacy and communications skills,” she said.
