Little Amal Comes To Glasgow Bringing A Strong Message
Little Amal’s Journey
Little Amal is a 3.5 metre (11 foot) tall puppet of a Syrian refugee. She has completed a long journey, crossing the whole continent of Europe. The message Amal brings is that many young people like her have been driven into violence, war and poverty, which has been caused in part by the climate crisis. Amal’s goal for her visit to Glasgow and COP26 is to meet the men and women who are capable of forcing change as well as the younger generation to inspire change and recognition for these issues.
Inclusion of Young People
During the walk we spoke to a primary teacher who was involved with the children who attended the event to celebrate Amal’s arrival. He described about how the children had been visited in their schools by artists to collaborate (doing something together) on flags and banners that were involved in a banner to advertise change for the migrant and climate crisis.
Good Chance
Naomi Webb is the executive director for Good Chance: the organisation that has been taking Little Amal across Europe. We got to ask some questions about the impact of the work and she said they were trying to start a conversation within young people to think and act on the climate issues relevant today and the migration issues also with the changing world around us.
Amal should be seen as a positive and artistic role model that allows the message to be more broadly accepted. Naomi spoke to us about an memorable experience that involves a young Syrian girl that wasn’t able to see Amal as it wasn’t possible due to bad weather conditions but was allowed to see her with a few other Syrian families. this proved to be an emotional moment for the families as it means so much to them to see their story represented as it is a very important message that is being spread.
Citizens’ Theatre
We also had the opportunity to speak with Catrin Evans, who is Head of Learning at the Citizens Theatre. when asked about the involvement of children, it was clear the importance as they showed a understanding of the issues and a drive to be involved in the climate argument within Scotland and other countries, using art was an important part as it directly involved the kids and their own specially made pieces. This event hopes to create questions from them to develop and become a part of the fight. This way of including children allowed the trickiest of topics to be understood in a fun way.
The project was created to draw attention to the urgent needs of young refugees as they are forced out of there homes, many as a result of climate change.
The “walk” has gained momentum throughout her journey and allowed her to make an appearance at the COP26 summit in Glasgow as the conference shifted to gender.
Little Amal is also highlighting children’s views and thoughts on climate change as they play an important role in the future of the country.
Sources
Naomi Webb, Executive Director of Good Chance
Catrin Evans, Head of Learning of Citizens Theatre
Good Chance
The Citizens Theatre
