Summer school helps young people to connect
A special summer school programme has been held for children and young people aged 8 to 16 years who live in Dudley borough.
The Dudley Performing Arts (DPA) programme was organised in conjunction with Resonance and The Black Country living museum during two weeks of the school holiday.
The daily sessions were designed to give children and young people the opportunity to engage with learning though music and expressive arts. It is hoped that it will help those who have taken part to gain confidence following what has been a long period away from education for many of the young people due to the pandemic.
During the first week, children learned basic skills on musical instruments and formed bands at the Resonance building at Waterfront, Brierley Hill. Different groups each day, the young people composed and performed their own music and learned how to play samba.
During the second week groups of children had the opportunity to take a look around the Black Country Living Museum. Here they enjoyed sharing stories and taking on new experiences including taking a trip through the canal tunnel.
Performances by each of the groups were recorded and DPA has created a special YouTube video showcasing some of the work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfuSCECg3UI&feature=youtu.be
Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member responsible for children and young people said:
This has been a really difficult year for our children and young people, with the pandemic meaning that many of them have been away from their usual groups and schools.
This summer DPA decided to make the summer school bigger and better than ever before and it is delight to see so many youngsters engaging in the programme and using their creativity in groups once again.
We have had fantastic feedback from parents who have said it has helped their children to make new friends, gain new skills and aspirations, increase their confidence and step out of the stresses they have experienced due to Covid-19.
I would like to thank all the volunteers and colleagues from Resonance and Black Country Living Museum for helping to give children a fun time that will stay with them.