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Students reflect on the importance of exchange

”More young people in Namibia are daring to tackle the issue. (sexual health). I was very heartened to see their knowledge and determination.” Gopal Gautan, UK.

“Working with people from different countries and cultures takes you outside your comfort zone, where there may be many unchallenged assumptions. So by doing this exchange, we have become more open to other view points and perspectives, which builds empathy in the world” Valerie Tjirimuje, Namibia.

“We all hope this project can help to educate the next Generation about the issues we’ve focused on. It has made us more aware of the scale at which teenage pregnancy and sexual deseases affect the younger people across the world” Gopal Gautan, Jessica Frimpong Manso, Charles Akaruka, Valerie Tjirimuje, Ntuthuko Mcingolwane, Evelina Ashipala. - the script writing team.

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Looking forward to the next phase

In May, 3 young people will arrive from Namibia to rehearse the scripts with the 3 young people from Newham. They will perform in 6  Newham secondary schools to groups of Yr 9 students, who will be given the opportunity to engage in Forum Theatre and question and answer sessions on international and local issues of sexual health. They will also perform at stratford Circus as part of the Newham Arts festival and sing one of the songs they have shared at the Royal Festival Hall on 5th June.