Kids Against Racism sets up pen pal scheme to connect migrant and UK-born children

A pen-pal scheme to connect migrant and UK-born children has been created by a grassroots organisation

Kids Against Racism, which is based in Greenwich, was founded by Massy Spencer and Helen Valentine.

Its aim is to support migrant families in the UK and make a long-term impact in the lives of children who are starting a new life here, facing loneliness and isolation.

The project, 360 Letters, is a community for children to talk to each other about their hopes and dreams, their fears and feelings; to break down the barriers of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and build lasting relationships that strengthen our communities and create a 360 degree view of the world.

The organisation has obtained funding for the project from the National Lottery Community Fund. They have been able to engage directly with migrant children, through partnering with schools, in a way that larger organisations haven’t.

Massy and Helen invite primary school children from the local area of Greenwich and beyond, to join them in celebrating what they’ve achieved with 360 Letters –  the letters that the children have written will be on display at Woolwich Centre Library until August 13.

The Listening Station will be at the exhibition, on Friday, July 29 and Friday, August 12, to hear the children talking about their experiences of taking part and what the letters have meant to them.

Kids Against Racism say they will use what they learn from the children to shape future projects.

Pictured top: From left, Massy Spencer and Helen Valentine (Picture: Piers Allardyce)