Samosa Project April 2023

Samosa Media provided a series of education workshops for year 8, 9 and 10 students to help explore and build their confidence, public speaking, and language skills. 

In April and May 2023, Natalie Marshall, Education Officer from The Samosa Media www.thesamosa.co.uk  facilitated a series of six workshops for KS3 and KS4 students to create a monologue. The workshops were designed to bring young people together, support their education, by hosting a safe space for the young people to share their stories and develop their creative skills.

This process of creating monologues offered young students a valuable opportunity to express themselves authentically, nurturing their personal growth, public speaking, and confidence. Monologues can play a pivotal role for young people in their personal development by providing a space for young people to explore and express thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Through the process of preparing and performing a monologue, young individuals can delve into their own stories, insights, and values, which helps them to develop a stronger sense of self-identity.

Victor Rios Film Officer from The Samosa Media also supported the students in recording their monologues.  By engaging in self-reflection, writing, and performing, students not only enhanced their communication skills but also improved their emotional intelligence and a sense of identity.  Students were able to perform and record their monologues which provided a powerful platform for them to see their work on camera.

These workshops help understand some of the challenges young people are facing in wider society and mental health is one of them. Monologues can play a key role in creating a positive impact. Monologues offers them an outlet for emotional release, to help explore and process their emotions and feelings. It also helps when they do are able to trust one another in discussions in a safe space which these workshops provide.

It allows them to confront their emotions, fears, and anxieties giving them relief and increases their emotional well-being. Students are also able to perform and record their monologues which is empowering and boosts their self-confidence and self-esteem. Whilst also providing a creative educational process to support them to cope with stress and develop resilience.

Unfortunately, there has been a decline in arts education within the UK curriculum. There has been funding cuts and a stronger emphasis on STEM subjects, which have led to a decrease in opportunities for young people to explore the arts. The Samosa Media helps to bridge this by focusing on creative workshops that can help young people open a door to engage in creative practises and understand the importance of arts in education. This will also help students find an outlet to express who they are and the students at this workshop were able to do this.

Students and the teacher over viewing this workshop said the following about the workshops:  

 “The things I have learnt from the workshop is to be more social, not to be afraid of who I am, and make humorous jokes with new friends.” 

 “My confidence began at 5 and it has grown to an 8 after the final workshop. I have begun to stand up for myself and use social media to connect with more people.” 

 “It is important to express yourself so that you’re able to show and be accepted for who you really are.”

 “I find it is important to express yourself as bottling it up can be bad for your mental health, and you can feel empty inside”.

“My confidence from attending this workshop was from 1 to 10/10 because now I can ask for help from someone I barely know, and I now would start conversations with people I am not close with. I can get out of my comfort zone”.

“It is very evident that the programme has an overall positive impact on students. When I asked some of the year 9 students how their first session went their faces lit up and they commented “so much fun!” One of the students is in my form class. I noticed within the samosa project he was comfortable to be himself and come out of his shell, which is so important as each student can comfortably be themselves. I believe the programme creates a safe space where students visibly appear to be comfortable expressing themselves and their creative selves with freedom and without judgement from others. For students, this programme creates that feeling of being a part of something and belonging. The sessions are very well lead and organised, it is clearly evident that Natalie has a strong passion for what she does, this is reflected in the students’ enjoyment of the programme.” – Naoimhin Daly | P.E Teacher and Enrichment Coordinator

 As highlighted by student feedback, Monologues provide community and collaboration. Through these interactions, young people learn the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and active listening. They develop a sense of community, build relationships, and create a supportive environment where they can learn from and inspire each other. They also enhance their confidence and encourage self- expression.

Samosa Media’s Education work is supported by The Portal Trust and The Foundation for Future London. For further information on this curriculum partnership between Stepney All Saints School and Samosa Media please contact Ms Daly at Stepney All Saints School or info@thesamosa.org.uk