Essex Book Festival welcomed over 40 young people to Headgate Theatre on Saturday 25th January for its 4th Manifesto for Essex Youth Action Climate Summit: an annual county-wide meet up of 13-25-year-olds from Essex who are passionate about making a positive contribution to reducing the impact of Climate Change via cultural activity.
It was particularly pleased to welcome Fousseny Traore, a Climate Refugee from Mali, who spoke about the environmental devastation that is already happening in parts of Africa as a result of the Climate Emergency, and the very real threat to those who speak out about it.
Participants took part in a range of workshops during the day led by Eco-educator/Dramaturg Dr Andrew Burton (University of Essex), Theatre Director/Founder Wise Ram Theatre Company Sofia Bagge, Radio Producer/Presenter Michelle Durrant (Chelmsford Community Radio). This was followed by a feed-back and ‘what next’ brain-storming session.
Festival Director Ros Green says: –
It was, as ever, a very positive day. To have so many eloquent and motivated young people in one space was inspirational and a real credit to Essex. To welcome Climate Refugee Foussney Traore to speak about his journey from Mali to Colchester, and the personal sacrifices he has made along the way, was both a privilege and deeply moving (see attached photograph c. Essex Book Festival).
The Manifesto for Essex, which was set up in 2020 as part of Essex2020, goes from strength to strength. This year will be working with young people from Harlow to Harwich to help raise awareness of the positive actions everyone can take to mitigate the Climate Emergency. We look forward to celebrating their work as part of this year’s Essex Book Festival.
For more information about Manifesto for Essex and/or Essex Book Festival, please contact Ros Green ros@essexbookfestival.org.uk
