JPA students Mayar, Abdulmumin and Mohamad were invited to a film screening at The Glasshouse Gateshead as part of their involvement in Action Foundation’s Young Lives - Youth Leadership Programme. Action Foundation is an award-winning charity based in Newcastle upon Tyne providing support to disadvantaged refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants across the North East.
Over the past year, our students have been young leaders — developing confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to advocate for themselves and their communities. As part of this work, they created a special film that highlights their experiences and aspirations, which was launched at The Glasshouse Gateshead on Friday, 7th March 2025. They also appeared on BBC Radio Newcastle to promote the film.
The screening event was a showcase for the powerful work of the young leaders but also provided insight into the support available across the city for refugee and asylum-seeking young people.
Mr Lovatt, EAL practitioner, also attended the screening. Mr Lovatt said, “This film drives home the fact that some of our students have faced real hardship in their young lives, escaping from some awful situations in their home countries. But it also shows that what they bring is their own cultural identity, aspirations and dreams for the future. We really value these things at Jesmond Park Academy, and as a School of Sanctuary, we are so proud that our students can share their stories with the wider community and beyond.”
The short film, starring Mumin, is available to watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPGxNwKsT1k
