: ☀️Identity & Summer Reading Inspiration ☀️. From Still I Rise

[Studio NI]

Hello Risers! As another busy and impactful week comes to a close, we wanted to share some of the work we've been doing and some important opportunities and resources for our community.  [Download thenclusive Calendar 🌍 Exploring Identity and Belonging with Lecale Grammar School 🌍  This week we were delighted to deliver a session on Identity and Belonging with students at Lecale Grammar School. Together, we explored the concept of the "single story" and the dangers of reducing people, communities or cultures to one narrative. We discussed the powerful TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and reflected on how stereotypes can limit our understanding of others and ourselves. Her message reminds us that no person, community or culture can ever be fully understood through a single lens. If you haven't watched it yet, we highly recommend it: The Danger of a Single Story TED Talk We also explored the difference between belonging and fitting in. Belonging allows us to show up as our authentic selves, while fitting in often asks us to change who we are in order to be accepted. Students reflected on the experiences of Marcus Rashford and discussed how racism, stereotypes and public expectations can shape how people experience the world and how they are able to show up within it. 🌳Celebrating Identity at St Nicholas' Primary School 🌳 We were also delighted to continue our workshops with pupils at St Nicholas' Primary School in Downpatrick. Together, we explored identity and celebrated the things that make each of us unique. Pupils shared what they love about themselves, their families, their cultures, their histories and their communities. We are especially excited that these sessions will contribute to a large collaborative piece of artwork for the school assembly hall, celebrating difference, joy, belonging and inclusion. We cannot wait to see the final piece come together. 🎬 Belfast Belongs to All of Us 🎬 We are incredibly proud to that Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling has been awarded funding from Belfast City Council for a new youth project: 🎬 Belfast Belongs to All of Us 🎬 A creative storytelling and film project for young people aged 13–18 across West Belfast. 📖 Through workshops, discussion, storytelling and film, young people will explore identity, culture, belonging and community while creating powerful short video pieces sharing their lived experiences and perspectives of Belfast today. 🗣️ The project is all about amplifying youth voice, building confidence, creating connection across communities, and ensuring young people feel seen, heard and valued. We are currently looking for under-represented teenagers who would like to take part in this exciting project! If you know a young person who may benefit, please get in touch for more information. 🙏🏻 Belfast May No Longer Be in the Headlines, But Many Families Still Need Support 🙏🏻 While the recent racist violence in Belfast may no longer be receiving the same media attention, many families continue to live with its consequences. Some families remain displaced from their homes. Children have experienced trauma and disruption to their education. Many young people are carrying fear, uncertainty and anxiety about their safety and belonging within our communities. If you would like to support those affected, we encourage you to donate to Anaka Women's Collective. Funds raised are supporting: Emergency accommodation. Transport for displaced families. Essential supplies. Ongoing community solidarity and emergency response efforts for those impacted by racist attacks. You can donate here: Anaka Women's Collective Fundraiserndraiser Thank you as always for your incredible support! ☀️ An Inclusive Summer Reading List ☀️ ThiAs schools break up for the summer, it can be tempting to see reading as something that belongs in the classroom. But stories remain one of the most powerful ways we can help children build empathy, understanding and confidence in who they are. Summer is a wonderful opportunity to explore books that celebrate different identities, cultures, experiences and families. How Can We Be More Inclusive This Summer? Inclusion doesn't take a holiday. Small actions can make a big difference in helping children feel they belong. ☀️ Read books that reflect a wide range of identities, cultures and experiences. ☀️ Visit local libraries and seek out authors from different backgrounds. ☀️ Be curious about the festivals, celebrations and traditions happening in your local community. ☀️ Challenge stereotypes and prejudice when you hear them. ☀️ Encourage children to ask questions about difference with curiosity and kindness. ☀️ Support local businesses, creators and organisations from diverse communities. ☀️ Create spaces where every child feels welcome, valued and celebrated for who they are. Every story we share helps shape how children see themselves, how they see others and the kind of world they believe is possible. This week we'll be delivering: 🎓 Post-primary workshops exploring racial tensions, community unrest, immigration and belonging 📚 Learning Through Story sessions with primary school pupils in Downpatrick As always, our focus remains the same: creating spaces where children and young people feel seen, heard, valued and celebrated. Thank you for continuing to support our work. Our calendars for 2026 - 2027 continue to fill up, and we would love to work with more schools, organisations, and community groups next year. 🌈 Our Services Include: 📚 Learning Through Story sessions for primary & post-primary 🎤 Staff Training & CPD on diversity, equity, active bystanding & allyship 👨🏽‍🏫 Workshops for children on identity, belonging, and inclusion 📘 Inclusive book curation, school library support & consultancy 🎙️ Speaking engagements, storytelling events & festival programming 💬 What People Say: ⭐ “It was lovely to have you at our assemblies this morning. The pupils were captivated by the themes. The staff gave me such positive feedback and thoroughly enjoyed your stories too. ” ⭐ “Still I Rise has made a lasting impact on my journey towards becoming an antiracist ally.” ⭐ “We are looking forward to more next year!” ⭐ “Orla brings such warmth and depth – our pupils absolutely loved it.” ✨ Thank you as always for continuing to support Still I Rise – together, we are amplifying voices, bridging gaps, and helping children embrace the power of stories.✨ If you’d like to bring Still I Rise to your school, workplace, or community: 👉 Visit www.stillirisestories.org 👉 Or email us directly at or...@stillirisevoices.org 🌍 Together, let’s keep building a culture of empathy, equity, and inclusion. 🌍 ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ Still I Rise Belfast, North of Ireland