The talents of Scotland’s intercultural young people will be on show at a one day festival in the capital this weekend.
Held at popular food and drink market, The Pitt on Saturday 26 October 2019, the event will be an opportunity to listen to the experiences of young people growing up in Scotland as part of Intercultural Youth Scotland’s (IYS) Youth in Colour Festival.
IYS group members will also entertain audience members with a diverse range of musical and dance performances.
Noticing a gap between high school exam results and the number of young ethnic people who continue into further education, IYS exists to champion the rights and voices of disengaged young people.
Khaleda Noon, Founder of Intercultural Youth Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to share the amazing talents of intercultural young people at this year’s Scotland Youth in Colour Festival.
“The performers are the people at the core of our organisation and the ones who are driving real, palpable change in their community. It is amazing to be able to give them a platform to demonstrate everything they have to offer.
“The Pitt is the perfect venue – showcasing a diverse range of food and drink from local vendors and we are very grateful to them for offering to be our host.”
IYS is delivered by the youngsters at the heart of the organisation, ensuring they are ones to lead decision making. The group exists to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, so they are included, embraced and fully integrated in society.
Lana Imad Abbas, Intercultural Youth Scotland’s Lead Ambassador and Board Member, added: “The work carried out by IYS is absolutely crucial if the opinions of intercultural young people are to be listened to by society – it gives us a voice.
“Scotland Youth in Colour is a great opportunity for us all to showcase our own individual talents in front of friends and family while also raising awareness of the group with people who want to come along and join us on the day”
IYS is currently spearheading a campaign to challenge racism is schools, calling on councillors and officials to take direct action to address the prevalence of racism and prejudice throughout Edinburgh’s education system.
The group hopes to break down stereotypes to eliminate discrimination and racism in Scotland, providing intercultural young people with the opportunities they need to be the best they can be.
This event is sponsored by Heritage Lottery and Dancebase working in partnership with Chamber Music Scotland, Up2STNDRD, Edinburgh World Heritage & Pitt Street Food Market
Scotland in Colour Youth Festival will be held at Edinburgh’s Pitt Street Market from 1.00pm – 8.00pm. Although the festival is free, there is a £2 entry fee to Pitt Street Market.
For more information about Scotland in Colour Youth Festival click here
