London 2012 blog

I've started to see and hear the images, sounds and thoughts about the 5 Host Boroughs from students involved in Welcoming the World. They're insightful and surprising - not least of all because they show images of contrast possibly found only in London.

Jonilda, from Windrush Primary, Greenwich appreciates the tranquility of the Thames and the graffiti art scene: 'It's really peaceful and calm and you can walk to the river and see all the swans and fish and animals. It is also the best because there are really nice people and lovely pieces of art on the walls and vans and it looks great.'

What I've enjoyed most about the programme however is the unexpected elements, such as the interaction between students and the community and the reflection about their areas during the process.

Natasha, from Rush Croft School, Waltham Forest says she 'benefited from this project because working with professional photographers helped me improve my photographic skills. I'm also better at approaching people...':

Read more of “Seeing the world in another way”

It's an exciting time for Welcoming the World - we have just started with around 550 young people who will be picking up cameras and photo-documenting their local area. The students are then going to make presentations, portfolios or short films with soundtracks to show what they think is important or unique in their area.

We’ve spent the last couple of weeks visiting the schools within the 5 Host Boroughs for planning sessions for the project. We rode our bicycles along canals, vibrant high streets and across parklands to get to the schools. Because this project will be using film and photography, I’ve started really looking at places I’m passing through. These Host Boroughs, along with Newham and Tower Hamlets, are going to be great for photography and filming. I was struck with the richness of contrasts within these areas. And, that it’s a long way on a bike from Hackney to the outskirts of Waltham Forest and Greenwich. 

Welcoming the World is structured on the Olympic Values – Friendship, Respect and Excellence and the Paralympic Values – Determination, Courage, Inspiration and Equality. The youth-centred project, divided into My World – photography and sound and Our World – film and sound, has been designed in collaboration with creative and education partners to enable the students to represent and reflect on people, places, events, activities and interests within their borough. 

The project has been funded by Creative Partnerships London East and South to work in 20 schools within the 5 Host Boroughs.  The project is a pilot education project, undertaken prior to the launch of the LOCOG Education Programme in September 2008. An inter-school sharing of the project will take place in early July 2008.

By working with high-calibre artists, we are supporting the production of high-quality, and therefore inspirational, creative outcomes from all the participants.