The creative prose of talented young writers from Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Bradford will reach a new audience after being published in a book which celebrates Bradford’s diverse culture through the lives of its residents.
Roots and Reality: Through the Lens of Bradford is an anthology of writing from Year 9 and 10 pupils at the school, compiled and edited by poet and performer Saju Iqbal Ahmed.
The Leeds-based writer joined the pupils in the school library for a 16-week programme of after-school sessions. Saju led rich conversations with pupils about their culture, beliefs and sense of belonging, and then guided the young writers about how to articulate their personalities and upbringings into their writing.
The project formed part of First Story’s Young Writers Programme, which encourages and supports young people from all backgrounds to practise creative writing for pleasure and self-expression. The programme places inspiring professional writers into secondary schools, where they work intensively with pupils and teachers to develop young people’s creativity, confidence and ability.
Explaining the importance of the project in the introduction to the anthology, Saju said:
“The boys were passionate about making a difference to their lives and wanting to work towards their dreams and aspirations. They were very vocal when it came to discussing making change. The hope they have for a better tomorrow is inspiring. The important thing to know is that this project didn’t just encourage them to read and write, it encouraged them to be themselves feel proud of who they are and what they represent.”
In celebration of the anthology being published, the school held a special launch event where the young authors recited their poems in front of an audience of staff, parents and peers.
A copy of Roots and Reality will be placed in the British Library and is also available to buy on Young Writers’ website, with all proceeds from book sales reinvested into the programme itself.