Telling our story in Wolverhampton
We work with many amazing people who have truly transformed their lives, but whose stories are mainly unheard or tarnished with negativity by others. That’s why when Dani Wozencroft from City of Wolverhampton College invited ACH and a refugee to speak to her NCTJ Journalism students, we were more than happy to be involved.
This was organised by NCVO’s Constructive Voices programme. “We want to help you make sure your voice is heard in the public arena, so the vital work you carry out is recognised and can be harnessed for the benefit of society. At NCVO, we’re working to link charities and journalists, and to encourage constructive journalism 
– a more solutions-focused approach to news coverage” (taken from the NCVO website).
On the 20th March 2018 Mohammed Ali, ACH learner and previous tenant, Amy Chew, ACH Wolverhampton Support Worker, and Rose Adderley, ACH Marketing Assistant, attended a live news day at the college. Dani only told the students what was happening only an hour before we arrived in order to give them a real-life experience of what it can be like working as a journalist.
Each student had a specific role for the session including live blogging, camera operation, social media, interviewing and more. There were a total of 9 students on the day.
First up was Rose, who gave a video interview answering questions about ACH and our #rethinkingrefugee campaign. Then came the star of the show, Mohammed, who answered questions with detailed, humorous and truthful stories. He is a Syrian refugee now living in Wolverhampton. Having previously worked as a language teacher and actor you could see where his confidence and flamboyancy came from!
Mohammed, Rose and Amy were then all interviewed by another student whose task was to write a feature article which you can read here: http://vle.wolvcoll.ac.uk/reporter/feature-refugees-long-journey-safety/
There was also a live blog from the day which you can read here: http://vle.wolvcoll.ac.uk/reporter/live-blog-refugee-opens-extraordinary-life-wolverhampton-students/
A huge thanks to the students for being welcoming and providing us with a great experience on the day, and to Dani for organising the whole thing.
