Celebrating Phase One of the Windrush Project!

Voyage is thrilled to announce the successful completion of phase one of our incredible Windrush Project. This initiative has been a labour of love, aimed at creating a memorable book and graphic exhibition showcasing the vibrant lives of our Caribbean Elders from Hackney.

We are proud to have recruited 22 enthusiastic young people who have embarked on this journey with commitment, dedication and passion. Under the expert guidance of Hena Chowdhury from Diverse Works, our engagement lead, these young individuals have been immersed in the rich history and cultural heritage of the Windrush generation.

Our action learning approach has included:

- Structured Workshops: Providing a foundation of knowledge and skills.

- Visits to Places of Interest: Offering real-world insights and inspiration.

- Self-Directed Research: Encouraging independence and deeper understanding.

As we move into phase two, our young participants will:

- Engage with Caribbean Elders: Acting as assistants in Caribbean Lunch Clubs and undertaking work experience in their own time.

- Receive Technical Training: Workshops on oral history, accessioning, and handling ephemera, photos, and documentation.

- Undertake Additional Training: Enhancing presentation and interview skills.

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This phase aims to build strong intergenerational ties and facilitate meaningful interactions. Our journey will culminate in a seaside trip in late July to solidify these relationships, followed by a Caribbean inspired Garden Tea Party event in August at the Museum of the Home. During this event, our elders will be entertained by our musical and heritage guests whilst the young people invite elders to record their oral histories, accession ephemera, and taking professional portraits to complete the final book in time for October 2024.

The Tea Party event will be celebratory with a carnival-inspired theme to help our elders feel at home and comfortable sharing their experiences, which we wish to feature in the Windrush Elders book.

To show our gratitude, we have invited our young participants to an evening dinner with the Voyage CEO, who wishes to acknowledge their amazing efforts through our Jack Petchey Award and encourage ongoing involvement in the project.

We are excited about the path ahead and grateful for the continued support of our community especially Tahlia Coombs from Hackney Councils Culture Team and the amazing Rachel King from Hackney CVS and our key Caribbean lunch club managers from HCEO, Chats and Holy Street.

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress and reach out if you wish to support the project.