Story by Naheem Hanif
“I wanted to join the Multiple-Heritage Service because I wanted people to understand my background and help other children not be ashamed of who they are.”
That was the view of young committee member Danny Brand, who is part of, arguably Sheffield’s youngest Management Committee – the Sheffield Multiple-Heritage Service (SMHS).
SMHS was set up to address the issues and problems faced by mixedrace children. Although many mixedrace children draw strength from having two cultures, many also suffer low self-esteem; emotional and identity problems. Some children feel they ‘don’t belong anywhere’ and suffer prejudice from both white and black communities.
Although many mixed-race children do well at school, as a group, their school achievement is lower than any other group and they have higher rates of exclusion than any other group. In Burngreave, mixed-race pupils do particularly poorly. They are also more likely than other groups to end up in care, involved in drugs or in trouble with the police.
Now some of Burngreave’s mixed-race children are helping to manage the programme, to support and raise the confidence of multiple-heritage children.
The up-beat and positive youngsters explained that being involved with the management committee will help them increase their self-confidence, be happy and feel better about themselves. The management committee also helps to organise and decide on activities and events for other mixed-race children that have used the service.
Mado Khan, the SMHS Manager said:
“Multiple-heritage children are the fastest growing group of all children in Sheffield. It is envisaged that they will account for nearly 25% of the children’s population in Sheffield by 2010.They have issues that are particular to them as they come form, sometimes more heritage than two.
“Young people on our management committee are good role models and are able to talk about issues that affect them and their peers.They are the voice of multiple-heritage children in Sheffield. It is extremely important for them to be involved in order to raise issues that affect them. They are an integral part of this service and as such we value their input and the enthusiasm and commitment that they have.”
For more information about the Multiple Heritage Service, or to get involved with the young people’s management committee, please ring Mado Khan on 293 0329.
SMHS have produced a childfriendly book called ‘Celebrating our Rootz’. The book talks about black and Asian people in this country, why they came here and the positive contribution they have made. It is suitable for all ages but was written particularly for primary school age. The book only costs £3.00. For more information, or to order, please call 273 5446.