New kiwi youth share their stories

Diversity, literature and youth are being celebrated in a public book launch and reading event at the Mount Albert Senior Citizens Hall on 23 August.

The book, entitled ‘A New Sense of Belonging: Writing by New Kiwi Voices 2014’ is a collection of prose and poetry submissions by 36 participants from ‘New Kiwi Voices: Share Your Stories’, a new literary arts programme created by Auckland Council for young people.

The programme is open to young people between 13 and 20 years old, born outside New Zealand, and is supported by the Albert-Eden Youth Board with funding from Albert-Eden Local Board.

Albert-Eden Youth Board member Agnes Wong says it is exciting to be able to continue in our positive approach to welcoming new migrants into the community.

“It's important that all young people regardless of their ethnic backgrounds get the opportunity to be involved and have their voices empowered. These sessions encourage them to creatively express their opinions,” she says.

Developed and delivered by creative writing teachers, Rosalind Ali and Johanna Emeney the programme also received support from The Michael King Writer’s Centre.

Under the theme ‘Telling your own story in your own voice’, participants from more than 14 countries including Chile, Scotland, Slovenia, Korea and the Netherlands committed their weekends in June todeveloping creative writing skills.

Each session involved participants being tutored by industry experts Sarah Laing (novelist, short story writer and illustrator), Tama Waipara, Annie Crummer (singer-songwriters), Daren Kamali (poet) and Renée Liang (poet and playwright).

Ms Wong encourages the public to participate in the book launch, and support these budding artists.

“This professionally designed and edited book looks fantastic. We’d love the public to come to the book launch and take home a free copy.”

New Kiwi Voices: Share Your Stories Book Launch

Where: at Mount Albert Senior Citizens Hall

When: 11am Saturday 23 August

Cost: Free – all welcome

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alberteden

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