Thurrock Racial Unity Support Taskgroup (TRUST)
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Diversity Champions 2012
On the 14th January, TRUST together with Thurrock council's Diversity team, youth service and many schools in the area, left to visit Auschwitz - Birkenaeu for the third year running.
Our aim this year was to create a project by multi partnership working, and this was achevied successfully, however the work does not stop here. We will be working closely with schools and youth services to spread the word and make the young people of thurrock aware of the dangers of stereotyping.
Here is some feed back from our fascinating journey;
"The activity weekend was a great success and I have received a number of impressive comments from parents, participants and schools. I wanted to take a few moments to give a heartfelt thanks to all our partners on this journey- this project would not have been possible without your support. This year, the aim was to create a partnership approach working with schools, youth and community agencies. Based on the comments from all those involved, we achieved this ambition. I want to personally thank everyone and every member of the Diversity Champions 2012 team.
When our team developed the first trip in 2009, we wanted to make a difference and change lives. This year the Diversity Champions Project showed that working together we won’t just change lives but also transform them. I just recently read the evaluations from the activity weekend and all of them are rated:’ outstanding’ or ‘very good’. I hope everyone on this year’s team is proud of this achievement."
Samson DeAlyn - Corpoate Lead for Equalities & Diversity
"I just wanted to take the opportunity to feedback from Diversity Champions Project in Poland. As team leader for the trip, I was nervous and apprehensive taking over the great job Dave Petrie has done in the past 3 trips, whether the impact would be the same for me this being my second time on the trip and in a different role…however, I need not have worried. Once again the whole experience was phenomenal with everybody on the trip and supporting behind the scenes, continuing to make this one of the most influential, educative, professional, personal experiences that Thurrock Council has to offer.
As you would appreciate, my role was not only to ensure the safety and delivery of the weekend but to ensure that opportunities were created to learn, share and grow in our understanding around the issues in quite shocking and emotive environments. This, I am very happy to report; we achieved, with all 50 of us moved and changed through this privileged opportunity.
None of this however could have been achieved without the FULL support of all of those in Poland or back at home in Thurrock. Again, this years cohort of young people were an absolute credit to their schools, projects, Youth Cabinet and Thurrock as a whole. Their capacity to work with all staff and with each other impressed and inspired the "adults" no end and their promises and commitment to changing their communities in Thurrock leads me to say that I do believe "our future" is in safe hands.
The Teachers from each of the schools and PSS were of such a high professional standard, not only supporting their students but each others and us as team, that again makes me proud to know we have such passionate and committed colleagues out their helping shape our young people of Thurrock for a better tomorrow. Thank you Paul, Huw, Emma, Maureen (MO), Jay, Elaine, Karen, Curtis and Junerosie for her ideas and drive to carry the flag as culture and diversity lead for Thurrock schools
Our colleagues from TRUST were also essential in this successful weekend with Ruth's openness and willingness to share her own personal impact of the concentration camps and how that has shaped her as an individual. Markus' while doing a great job making sure that we had recorded everything on film his ability to engage and support the young people through all of this was invaluable.
Our 2 representatives from the Youth Cabinet, Holly and Ann-Marie were a credit to the philosophy and vision of those elected young people. They way they delivered a session with such professionalism. I would also like to recognise the great support for Les Billingham not only for the Cllrs and cabinet members but for the whole group and me personally.
The Young People from the youth group in Tibury, D of E open award centre to Ayo and Inspirational Youth Call thanks their input it was invaluable. I would like to acknowledge the great support I had from Pam young the Deputy Team Leader. Her calming, reflective approach to the whole trip was inspirational not only for the young people but the group as a whole
To have Cllr Phil Smith and Cllr Tunde Ojetola in attendance created so many opportunities for young people and adults to see and experience a side of Cllrs and the Council which many sadly do not give them the opportunity to see. As an officer, I can only tip my hat to both of you for your engaging, supportive and eloquent ways you not only worked with the young people but all professionals on this trip. Thank you
None of this would have been practically achieved however without departments and directorates working closely together to ensure that projects like this are a success.
Samson, Shauni, Ellie, Rose and Michael for their tireless work and commitment leading up to this weekend, getting the funding, booking all the flights, wonderful hotel, Hoodies, jackets, the tour operator (and again how wonderful was Barbara!) whilst on the trip and through and beyond, it has been a honour to work with you all and the amount of support, guidance and trust you gave me to deliver this was essential in ensuring that this was a "life experience" that will shape our young people and wider community to help build the Thurrock Diversity Champions of the future.
Trips like this would not be the same if we didn’t have the support back home on the other end of the phone, great big thanks to Dave, Temi and Sue just knowing you’re there for support makes a big difference.. Having Dave join us on facetime and deliver a message personally to the group was exiting for all. Thanks Dave…..
There is so much more to say and share but hopefully on the presentation night at Thameside on the 26th Jan we will be able to hear from the Diversity Champions and others about the impact these 3 days truly had and how they want to make a difference in the coming year."
Tom Flynn - Locality Youth Worker - Central
'I had the pleasure of going on the visit to Auschwitz, Poland with Mrs.Juet and I am writing to express my appreciation of the way in which Mrs.Juet’s management and leadership skills enabled everyone to enter into the spirit underlining the programme. She participated in all the workshops, gave advice to students as well as group leaders. She formed an excellent relationship with the students who were eager to listen to what she had to say.
It was a real privilege to have someone with so much background knowledge on the visit and I would like to thank her for her perseverance even though certain conditions would have brought back horrifying memories of her own family who suffered in the Holocaust too.'
'I write to express my sincere appreciation of Mr. Markus Donaldson’s attitude and comportment throughout the visit to Poland. It was a solemn visit and Markus’s (the official photographer) attention to detail and helpfulness were exemplary. He ensured that all the participants were interviewed and through his diligence captured the essence of the visit and enabled everyone to absorb the atmosphere.
On a personal note Markus’s efficacy contributed in making the visit a memorable one and I hope that he will continue to excel in his chosen career.'
Mrs Junerose Palmer - Head of Equalities at Harris Academy Chafford Hundred