Active Citizens Global Toolkit - Active Citizens - British Council

Holding assumptions lightly: a case study of social action
Gill Dowsett, Participant in the Interaction Programme 2008–09, UK
Gill Dowsett believes that the arts have the power to change the
world by shaping people’s opinions.
She has witnessed the impact of the arts in her work with Theatr Fforwm
Cymru in Wales. This educational charity uses theatre, based on real
stories and issues, to promote understanding and empathy within
communities. Gill’s initiative highlighted the difficulties experienced by
asylum seekers and refugees in Wales in a bid to influence policy makers.
Grounded in real events, the stories involved the minutiae of everyday
experiences and the injustices that arise from prejudice. One play focused
on the experiences of primary school children unable to join their friends
on a school trip because they lack a British passport. Another gave an
insight into the housing frustrations of a Sri Lankan woman with two young
children.
Ten performances were held in 2009, culminating in shows during
Refugee Week. The plays were shown in four areas in Wales with high
concentrations of refugees – Newport, Wrexham, Cardiff and Swansea.
Plays were also held in four schools.
An estimated 200 people were directly involved in the project, and
included members of refugee communities and charities. The initiative also
reached out to a further 200 people who were audience members.
Gill said the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Welsh Assembly members
and local people were among those who attended the plays. She quoted
the Children’s Commissioner as saying: ‘Through seeing and hearing the
experiences of those directly involved, it helps everyone to understand
what it feels like to be an asylum seeker or refugee in Wales. ’‘I was
particularly taken by a performance given by two young children who
explained how they felt when they were not able to go on a school trip
with their friends. Powerful stuff indeed. It made me think, and that’s what
we should all do.’
‘When next I’m in a position to influence improvements for asylum-seeker
children I shall draw on their story and their feelings of loss, bewilderment
and sadness. Things can be better for these children, and all of us must
hear what they say and work to improve things.’ The Commissioner has
since promised to monitor the treatment of refugee children.
A DVD combining interviews with asylum seekers and dramatic
performances is being distributed to help the project to reach a wider
audience including schools, colleges, agencies, charities and government
policy makers.
Globally connected, Locally engaged - Active Citizens: Toolkit. Copyright © 2011 (v2 2012) The British Council
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