United Faiths – the regional interfaith youth forum for the Yorkshire and Humber region held its first annual conference in Yorkshire on the 12th February 2009 around the theme of Media and Music. Held at the carriageworks in Leeds, Youth, Media and Music brought together over a hundred of the region’s young people of faith encouraging them to use media and music as a channel of discovering their voice and exploring ways in which young people can continue to engage in social cohesion activities.
Michael Wakelin, Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC braved the snow to be the Keynote Speaker at the event. In his address to the audience Michael explained that the BBC is challenging some of the stereotypes and injustices found today “It is great to see so many people here today. This conference is the ideal way for young people to engage with the media as well as through interactive websites connected to all BBC output. These allow people to create content and send it in as well as joining message boards and social networking sites. If you want to engage there is simply no excuse not to!”
Those attending the event were given the opportunity to take part in one of eight workshops including PR, Rap, African drums, Newspaper and Rock and Dhol. The African drum workshop proved very popular with the sound of drumming echoing throughout the whole building. One individual who attended the PR workshop said she was interested in learning about how she could get more publicity for the youth charity she worked for.
In the afternoon young people from various universities, schools and interfaith organisations showcased their work and talent in a concert which was enjoyed by all. United Faiths Co-ordinator Ushna Moghal says “This conference specifically aimed to encourage young people to challenge negative faith related stereotypes by providing them with an opportunity to celebrate the religious and cultural diversity in the region”.
If you were unable to attend the Conference but would like to watch a video of the event please click here
To listen to music from the concert please click here
