Junior Slambassadors at Rich Mix

Tower Hamlets Schools Library Service and The Poetry Society host 2020 finale of Junior Slambassadors

Over 300 children stormed Bethnal Green’s community arts and film venue, Rich Mix, in February to watch the 2020 grand finale of the annual Amal-supported Junior Slambassadors competition.  Children from 12 primary schools in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets participated in the competition organised by The Poetry Society and Tower Hamlets Schools Library Service. Nine Muslim poets had received training at The Poetry Society before coaching the children and 16 teachers from the participating schools had attended teacher training.

Children in years 5 and 6 showed no signs of shying away from the stage as they gave staggering performances of their own written poems made during school workshops with the poets. Giving solo and group performances on the theme of Identity, schools vied for the coveted prizes awarded to schools for their outstanding achievements.

The competition was hosted by the gregarious, award-winning, spoken word artist, Kat Francois and featured performances by Roundhouse Resident Artist and former Poetry Slam winner, Rakaya Fetuga and award-winning children’s novelist and poet, Steve Tasane.

The project was also supported by the Samuel Butler Educational Foundation.

(Image: Jacob Turner)