We are Afrikindness

Youth-Led Research Project (Funded)

Race, racism and education: A study of racial identity formation and its impact on the educational experience of adolescents of Africa heritage in the North of England

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Race, Racism & Education:-
a Youth-led Research

A Study of Racial Identity Formation and Its Impact on the Educational Experiences of Adolescents of African Heritage in the North of England.

Race, Racism & Education is a youth-led, co-produced research project exploring how young people of African heritage in the North of England understand their racial identity and how this shapes their experiences within education.

Led by Afrikindness as the VCSE partner, funded by the Institute of Social Justice, and delivered in collaboration with York St John University and Liverpool Hope University, this project centres the voices, lived experiences, and perspectives of young people.

This research responds to growing concerns around racism, identity struggles, and lack of representation in education, and seeks to generate meaningful insights that can drive change.

Research
Questions

The research was carried out by two Research Ambassadors, who conducted peer-to-peer interviews with 40 young people aged 11–18.

This study is guided by key questions:
– How do young people of African heritage in the North of England understand their racial identities?
– What role does the home play in forming their racial identities?

Research
Focus

The project explores how racial identity is formed and experienced by adolescents of African heritage, and how this intersects with their educational journeys.

At its core, the research aims to unlock the voices of young people, creating space for them to share their stories, reflect on their experiences, and shape the narrative around race and education.

Our
Approach

This project adopts a participatory and co-production approach, meaning young people are not just participants, but active contributors to the research process.
This approach ensures the research is grounded in authenticity, trust, and lived experience.

Project
Timelines

2025: Project setup, recruitment, training, and data collection.

2026: Data analysis, reporting, and dissemination.
A dissemination event will be hosted to share findings with communities, educators, and stakeholders on the 27th of June 2026.

Expected
Impact

Provide an evidence base research on racial identity formation among young people of African heritage
Develop a cultural toolkit for parents, schools to engage young people on race and racism.
Inform schools, educators, and policymakers on improving inclusion and belonging
Strengthen Afrikindness’ programmes and training to be more culturally responsive

Coming Soon.
Research Findings
& Outcome

The project will produce a range of outputs, including: A full research report, Community-friendly summaries and resources with Youth-led Blog publications and thought leadership pieces.
Academic journal publication. Practical cultural toolkits for parents, schools, and community organisations. A community-led dissemination event. A Youth-led Podcast on Race, Racism and Education

Research Ambassadors

Our Research Ambassadors are young people of African heritage who play a leading role in the project. They coordinate and lead peer-to-peer interviews, creating safe and relatable spaces where young people can openly share their experiences and perspectives.

Dissemination Event

A dissemination event bringing together the Lord Mayor of Leeds, councillors, parents, young people, and community leaders will showcase the project’s insights and amplify youth voices—register for the dissemination event here.

Meet Our Research Ambassadors

Our Research Ambassadors are young people of African heritage who are leading this project from the ground up. They play a central role in shaping the research, supporting peer engagement, and ensuring that young people’s voices, experiences, and perspectives remain at the heart of the work. They lead and coordinate peer-to-peer interviews, enabling young people to share their experiences in their own voices.

As youth leaders within the project, Research Ambassadors help guide discussions, co-create ideas, and champion change by translating lived experience into insight that informs schools, communities, and policy.