Tag: freedom

LIBERTY: Families who fled Ukraine bring story of hope and belonging to Edinburgh Fringe

Families who fled the war in Ukraine and arrived in Scotland will take to the Edinburgh Fringe stage this August in a moving new performance exploring freedom, identity and belonging.

On 21 August, Mission of Innocents will present Liberty at C Aurora at Lauriston Halls for one night only. The production has been created and directed by Tetiana Hordiienko, an award-winning Ukrainian choreographer and director who built a career of more than two decades across theatre, television and film before rebuilding her own life in Scotland.

Drawing on both her professional experience and personal experience of the war, Liberty brings together Ukrainian families to tell a story of freedom, identity and belonging through dance, music and projected visuals.

Spanning the 1990s to the present day, Liberty reflects the history of Ukraine and its people, highlighting the strength they have shown through decades of fighting for freedom.

Featuring performers as young as eight-years-old, it draws on the performer’s own experiences of displacement following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

From living aboard temporary accommodation ships in Leith and Govan to finding friendship, confidence and a sense of belonging in Scotland, the production traces a journey from uncertainty and upheaval to hope and opportunity.

Tetiana Hordiienko, Creative Director of Liberty said: “When I came to Scotland, I wanted to create something that would help Ukrainian children reconnect with their culture while giving them confidence in their new home.

“Liberty has been created with and for the families taking part, and every scene reflects their own experiences.Ukrainian culture runs through every part of the show, from the music to the movement.

“Blending contemporary dance with traditional influences, Liberty celebrates not only the country’s rich heritage but also the creativity and spirit of its people. Full of energy and colour, it carries audiences with it on an unforgettable journey.”

For many of the families involved, Liberty is a celebration of how far they have come since arriving in Scotland. It reflects the confidence, friendships and brighter future they have built through Mission of Innocents’ creativity-led programmes.

Nataliia Pidruchna, Director of Children’s Programmes at Mission of Innocents, said: “These children have lived through experiences that most adults would struggle to comprehend. Some arrived in Scotland unable to speak English, having left behind family members, friends and everything familiar to them.

“What audiences will see on stage is a story about friendship, identity, hope and the extraordinary resilience of our performers. Every movement, piece of music and creative decision has been shaped by their own experiences and imagination.”

The show marks Mission of Innocents’ second appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe following last year’s successful performance of Life in One Suitcase. While the company’s debut told the story of arriving in Scotland, Liberty explores what it means to rebuild a life, create a sense of belonging and continue the fight for freedom.  

Joyce Landry, Founder and CEO of Mission of Innocents, said: “The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the world’s great stages for storytelling and these young people have earned the right to have their stories heard.

“Many of the performers in Liberty first arrived in Scotland living in temporary accommodation, uncertain what the future would hold. To see them now standing on a Fringe stage, sharing their culture, their creativity and their voices with an international audience, feels incredibly special.

“Their journey is remarkable and says so much about the resilience of these young people and the power of creativity to help those rebuild confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.”

Performers hope the audiences will leave feeling hopeful and inspired, carried by the warmth, joy and energy that they bring to the stage.

Mission of Innocents is a Scottish charity which helps children displaced by war, conflict and crisis feel safe again, rebuild confidence and rediscover hope through creativity. Since 2022, it has worked with hundreds of young people from Ukraine and other conflict affected communities, using art, music, dance and storytelling to help restore confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.

To book tickets to the Liberty performance on the 21st August, please visit:

https://res.cthearts.com/event/34:5260/34:84332/ 

Western leaders issue joint statement on Israel

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America released the following joint statement following their call yesterday:

‘Today (Monday Ed.), we — President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy, Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom, and President Biden of the United States — express our steadfast and united support to the State of Israel, and our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its appalling acts of terrorism.

‘We make clear that the terrorist actions of Hamas have no justification, no legitimacy, and must be universally condemned. There is never any justification for terrorism.  In recent days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists massacred families in their homes, slaughtered over 200 young people enjoying a music festival, and kidnapped elderly women, children, and entire families, who are now being held as hostages. 

‘Our countries will support Israel in its efforts to defend itself and its people against such atrocities. We further emphasise that this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage.

‘All of us recognise the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed.

‘Over the coming days, we will remain united and coordinated, together as allies, and as common friends of Israel, to ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.’

Time to Play!

BPS survey reveals high level of parents’ fears about effect of pandemic on primary school playtime

A survey for the British Psychological Society (BPS) has revealed that more than three-quarters of parents of primary-aged children believe play is now more than or just as important as academic catch-up, amid fears the pandemic has reduced opportunities for their children to engage in playtime at school.

Almost all parents who responded to the BPS survey said access to playtime in the primary school day was important for their children (96 per cent).

Yet research shows that since 1995, children’s break times in the school day have been reduced by 45 minutes a week, resulting in eight out of ten children now having less than one hour of physical activity per day.*

As a result of the findings, the BPS is launching a Time to Play campaign to put more play back in the school day, restore the playtime eroded and reverse the negative impact on children’s wellbeing and development.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by the BPS, had more than 1,500 respondents from across the UK. Key findings include:

  • 96 per cent of parents surveyed said access to playtime in the school day was either very important (79 per cent) or important (17 per cent) for their children
  • 79 per cent of parents said play was more important or equally as important as academic catch up for their children post-pandemic.
  • 69 per cent were very or fairly concerned that the pandemic has impacted on the opportunities their children have for unstructured playtime at school.
  • 61 per cent ranked social development as the most important benefit of play to their child.

Dr Dan O’Hare, co-chair of the BPS Division of Educational and Child Psychology, said:  “It’s clear from the survey findings that play is valued highly by parents. We now need the government to take bold action and prioritise school playtime for our children’s development.

“This isn’t an ‘ask’ for more playtime, it’s about reclaiming what has been lost. There needs to be adequate support, funding and resources for teachers who are already under increasing pressure to deliver the curriculum.”

The campaign will urge the government to put back 10 minutes each day onto school playtime, effectively reversing the years of decline by restoring 50 minutes spread over a week.

In June this year, in a Statement to Parliament on the education recovery programme, the previous Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the next stage of the government’s recovery plan would include a review of time spent in school and college. The findings of the review are scheduled to be set out this year.

Against this backdrop, the BPS is calling for a focus on unstructured, child-led play in school, highlighting its benefits including aiding social development, problem solving and physical development as vital priorities alongside academic catch-up. 

Dr O’Hare added: “We know that pre-pandemic children’s playtime has been eroded and now, against the landscape of ‘academic catch up’ after lockdowns, closures and pressure on children and schools, this issue is even more urgent.

“Reduced opportunities to play will likely have a negative impact on the wellbeing and development of children, and it is vital that we don’t forget that children have also missed out on play with their friends, physical activity and fun.

“It’s important to understand the role play has in children’s development to really understand why we are campaigning to get more play in the school day. Play is fundamental to children’s health and wellbeing. It can develop children’s skills in coping with challenge, facing uncertainty and how to be flexible and adaptable to different circumstances.

“The intrinsic value of play is that it brings entertainment, enjoyment and freedom to children. It is important that there are opportunities for all children to have high quality play throughout the school day, regardless of their needs, skills and abilities.”

For further campaign information: https://www.bps.org.uk/time-to-play

Joy Rides at Cramond

Care home residents have ‘wheely good time’!

A CYCLING initiative at an Edinburgh care home aiming to get elderly residents out in the fresh air and interacting with the community has got off to a speedy start. 

With restrictions easing, Cramond Residence was delighted to resume its partnership with Joy Rides – a customised electric tri-shaw bike that carries two passengers and a “driver”.

Residents at the care home to the north of the city enjoyed venturing out every other week before the pandemic on bespoke trails with Joy Rides founder and cycling enthusiast Lissa McIntyre.

Joy Rides was created in 2019 and is a one woman show helping passengers combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, whilst improving health and well-being all while having fun on the front of a tri-shaw bike.

Lissa McIntyre, said: “From a very young age I’ve had a passion for cycling – there is nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair and forgetting your worries for a little while.

“No other form of transport gives you the same sense of freedom as a bicycle does, so I wanted to ensure people who couldn’t cycle were able experience this feeling – albeit minus the strenuous pedalling!

“When doing my initial market research, I noticed there was a lack of outdoor activities available for older people within the city so I wanted to close this gap and offer them the same experience and enjoyment.

“Riding on the tri-shaw gives you the freedom that comes with being on a bike outdoors with the security that a reliable, safe person is in charge behind the wheel.”

The Joy Rides project resumed in June, and aims to allow residents and other customers to filter back into their local communities without stress or unease following months of lockdown.

Lissa, said: “There are a host of positive mental, physical and social benefits that come from getting elderly people out in the fresh air, especially as many have not left the home for a long period of time.

“During the trip residents are encouraged to socialise with others from different parts of the home and are often keen to have a chat with locals.”

Residents often request the cycle to go along Cramond promenade to view parts of the city they don’t often see, such as the view to the Forth Bridges in Queensferry and across the water to Fife.

Between every session the tri-shaw bike is thoroughly cleaned, on top of this both the driver and passengers are required to wear a mask during the trip with health and safety being paramount.

Cramond Residence provides a combination of luxury accommodation and the highest quality of care, with all residents enjoying a wide range of amenities and activities, delicious food and bespoke care.

During lockdown, Lifestyle Coordinators led activities from The Residence Cinema, connecting to residents in their own private house lounge or in their bedrooms via smart TVs to encourage two-way communications.

Places in the care home start from £1850 a week. To find out more, call 0131 341 4037 or visit https://cramondresidence.co.uk/