Imayla goes to Doris Intercultural Summer School (August 2010)

Five days of drumming, dance, song & survival - many cultures, one field

See Doris Intercultural Summer School Film

Imayla set up a camp at the Doris Intercultural Summer School in a beautiful field in Devon to allow a group of 17 inner-city teenagers, volunteers and youth mentors to attend a public event within their own supported environment.  They were able to experience leading professional teachers from a wide range of cultures in a week-long skill development programme with the added opportunity to meet a huge diversity of participants from other cultures and walks of life. Over five days the young people attended three workshops a day in some form of dance, music, singing, poetry, media, survival and environmental activities and took part in an evening of performance at the end of the week.  They also learnt how to manage their tents, build and tend campfires and camp cooking, all in a cooperative style.  Above all they shared the unique experience of a truly intercultural event in the British countryside with inspiring role models from many different cultures.  This positive, nurturing environment had a very motivating impact on a group of people who face many challenges and difficulties in their everyday lives. 

“I liked it camping because I’d rather sleep in a tent than sleep in a house. It’s nice and chilled because in the city it’s just loud, with sirens and stuff but in the countryside it’s just chilled”
Participant, 14, Imayla goes to Doris Intercultural Summer School (Aug 2010)
“The stars, I’ve never seen so many beautiful stars like that before. You don’t see them in the morning but they’re always there. They look so beautiful and they shine so it makes you feel safe. Even if you’re walking in the dark, the stars are just out there looking out for you, and it’s like they protect you from harm.”
Participant, 14, Imayla goes to Doris Intercultural Summer School (Aug 2010)