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Leeds, November 2, 2024
Afrikindness concluded the year with a powerful Parent-Teen Workshop that brought together 28 teenagers and 31 parents for a day of transformative learning, bonding, and empowerment. The event was designed to bridge gaps in communication, foster resilience, and create an inclusive space for families to connect and grow.
The day commenced with a session on the Power of Play, led by Sabrina Persiano, a PTUK Certified Play Therapist. Sabrina highlighted how play serves as a powerful tool for effective communication between parents and teens, enabling emotional expression and connection. The session included activities that used playful interactions to build trust, integrated play into daily routines to strengthen bonds, and highlighted how play helps teens navigate challenges and express emotions.
One parent shared their thoughts on the session:
“What I found valuable was the emphasis on playing with children and understanding its importance. It has opened my eyes to new ways of connecting with my teen.”
While parents delved into further conversation about the role of play and parenting, teenagers participated in a dedicated session on Building Resilience and Emotional Intelligence, facilitated by Karen Cruise, Teen Coach and Founder of Flourished Minds. The teens watched motivational videos on resilience, the pursuit of dreams, and never giving up, and Karen shared her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges; 95% of the teens found the session engaging and impactful, taking away key lessons on building resilience, developing emotional intelligence, and gaining essential life skills for navigating adolescence.
Karen also gifted each teen a journal to encourage positive reinforcement and self-reflection, inspiring them to set goals and embrace challenges.
One 11-year-old attendee reflected:
“What I found valuable about the event was how it changed my mindset and the way I view life and the world.”
The event was graced by Councillor Luke Farley, Chair of the Inner East Community Committee, and Councillor Nkele Manaka from Burmantofts and Richmond Hill, who both delivered impactful keynote speeches.
Councillor Nkele Manaka highlighted the generational differences in parenting styles between the first, second, and third generations, emphasizing the need for workshops like this to bridge gaps and promote understanding within families.
Councillor Luke Farley spoke passionately about the importance of spending quality time as a family, underscoring the power of play and the critical role it plays in fostering deeper bonds between parents and their teens.
In the Cultural Workshop and Parent Talk, Dr. Vivian Okoye, a Certified Parent Coach and Child Psychologist, tackled cultural barriers in parenting, offering strategies for fostering positive and culturally responsive practices. Parents explored key takeaways such as parenting with purpose while honouring cultural values, creating a judgment-free environment for teens to express themselves, and navigating the challenges of culturally diverse families, with an open forum to share views, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas.
A parent participant remarked:
“Afrikindness sessions are always impactful and relevant. The openness and trust created in the space today were remarkable.”
The day concluded with a Safeguarding Session for Teens, facilitated by Lola Olaniyi-Alabi, which addressed sensitive topics around abuse and safety. Parents and teens participated together, fostering a shared understanding of safeguarding principles.
One parent shared during the session:
“The way the event spoke to both parents and teens about abuse was very empowering.”
Special Moments and Interactive Discussions
The workshop featured several thought-provoking moments:
- A teen delivered a powerful talk on the difference between mental age and literal age, urging parents to reflect on and understand their children’s emotional needs better.
- Personality Coach Kalinga Mtonga as well as Dr Vivian Okoye shared more on understanding a child’s personality and creating an inclusive environment by addressing individual differences and fostering safe spaces for children, also those with special needs.
A parent summed up the impact of the event:
“What stood out was the openness, the trust, and the opportunity to engage freely with both parents and children. A space to speak freely, engaging with the children , empowering them with the strengths and working on their weaknesses. It was truly empowering to see strengths celebrated and areas of growth addressed.”
Afrikindness is thrilled to announce plans for the launch of a comprehensive Teen Academy in the new year, pending the successful securing of funding. This program will focus on mentorship, life skills, and personal development, offering teenagers the tools to succeed in life while fostering family harmony.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the expert facilitators, including Sabrina Persiano, Dr. Vivian Okoye, Karen Cruise, and Lola Olaniyi-Alabi, for their dedication and insights. Gratitude also goes to Leeds City Council for funding this impactful event and to the parents and teens who participated with enthusiasm.
This workshop not only marked a successful end to 2024 but also laid the foundation for a stronger, more connected community.
Afrikindness remains committed to empowering families, fostering resilience, and creating lasting impact in the years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates and events in 2025!
Happy New Year!
