Ctrl.Alt.Shift volunteer Nadia Kouhi found loads to be inspired about when she attended the launch of a poetry book crammed with young people's creative responses to global issues. As part of the Platform2 scheme, a UK initiative that sent thousands of disadvantaged young people from the UK to volunteer in South America, Africa and Asia, volunteers are encouraged to produce creative responses to the issues they experienced in developing countries. Let Nads set the scene and tell you more...

The Farm pub, Bristol. An ice cold evening in January. 

19.42 and arriving fashionably late (whoopsie), we found ourselves in the heart of Bristol, the city of culture. As a newbie, a Bristol virgin, a first-timer if you like, I was particularly excited to be part of the Platform2 movement in an unfamiliar neck of the woods.  We approached our destination windswept and in a hurry as we were determined not to miss out on all the action. As we entered the wooden gates of the garden, I was in awe of the beautifully sprayed graffiti art on the side of the building. The bright colours and the creative designs reflected the spirit of Platform2 and its volunteers down to a T. It was the perfect venue. 
 

'The evening was followed by a number of creative and inspiring renditions of poems taken from the Platform2 poetry book ‘I am the Change’. Highlighting important social and global issues, the poetry was a powerful and effective way of getting crucial messages out to young people'

I entered one of Bristol's coolest watering holes to find it packed and buzzing with young people. In true West Country spirit, I ordered a cider and chatted to some friendly faces. The chilled out atmosphere was a perfect pick-me-up for any mid-week blues.

Stunning paintings by talented Platform2 returnees (like the one pictured here) decorated the room, instantly catching my attention; I was absorbed deep into the art. So real and beautifully captured, they took me back to my India trip a year ago.

The evening kicked off with a short film: ‘Arm Yourself’, an interpretation of the poem written by Gary Gillon, a Platform2 volunteer. Based on the shocking issue of child soldiers, this visual opening hooked the audience in. The film was followed by a number of creative and inspiring renditions of poems taken from the Platform2 poetry book ‘I am the Change’. Highlighting important social and global issues, the poetry was a powerful and effective way of getting crucial messages out to young people.

One by one the brave Platform2 volunteers took to the floor, almost instantly there was a sea of silence; you could hear a pin drop. All eyes were fixated on the performers as they introduced themselves and each one spoke of their trip and their individual experiences. It soon became evident that their 10 week trips overseas were so much more than just trips. Life-changing for so many, as their words echoed through the room it hit me just how much living and working in a developing country has affected so many young people’s visions of the world.
 
Gender inequality, corruption and injustice were some of the issues depicted through powerful, personal stories; beautifully arranged into poetry and expressively spoken.  

'My body’s locked up, caged up             
But my mind is free.
You can’t stop my dreams or what I believe.
You birthed me but you don’t own me,
You raised me but you can’t hold me.
You fed me, but I’m still hungry.'
 
Live acoustic music complimented the poetry and heightened spirits. As I glanced around the room, there was a great sense of unity and community. Whilst talking to some of the crowd, it became apparent how utterly moved they were by the entire evening.
As the poetry came to a close, Mewgatz took over the scene with participative music mash-ups. With crazy beats and pumping tunes, they certainly kept the crowd entertained. A massive well done to the Platform2 volunteers in the West!

Words: Nadia Kouhi

Painting: Platform2