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Wonderful World of WAPPY

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To mark Writing, Acting & Publishing Project for Youngsters' (WAPPY’s) 10th year, we would like to publish an anthology of poetry, prose and artwork for young people by 100 writers, from diverse, ethnic backgrounds, (ages 4 to 24) who have taken part in WAPPY workshops since 2008. Having published our first anthology, 'The Soul of a Child', 2011, (Bogle L’Ouverture Press), and seeing its positive impact on our writers’ confidence, self-expression, literacy and performance at school and in WAPPY, we feel strongly that more WAPPY participants should have the chance to have their works published by Krik Krak, who worked in collaboration with Bogle  L'Ouverture Press to publish our first book.

Award-winning author of 'Orange Boy', Patrice Lawrence, is writing the Foreword for our anthology, and is making a special guest appearance at the Book Launch, which WAPPY will host at the University of Brunel, in partnership with its hospitality and catering team, who will lay on a spectacular arrangement of global foods and refreshments.  Various contributors from 2008 to 2018 will perform their works from the anthology for invited guests, including their families, staff, key supporters, collaborators and distinguished guests (such as Eric Huntley and Sally Baffour, WAPPY's patrons, Dr. Rupa Huq. MP. (Central Ealing & Acton), the Mayor and Mayoress of Ealing, Julian Bell,  Leader of the Council, Sebastian Jenner (Producer of Hillingdon's Literary Festival/Brunel University), Filmmaker, Khesumaba Jess, Dr. Rachel Pepper, and author, Ms Esther Ackah), among others. It's an 'Invitation Only' event, however, donors will be invited. 

The anthology itself is unique for its breath and depth, for its child/youth- centred coverage on subjects to do with Love, Death, Peace and War, Belonging and Family, Friendships and Building Bridges, Mythical Creatures and Real Animals, London 12 and Football, Dickens, Christmas, African folklore, and a chapter devoted to 6 international icons 'Who Have Changed Our World', including Jessica Huntley, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley and Benjamin Zephaniah! We have also invited several WAPPY pioneers from 2008 and 2009 to give accounts of how WAPPY has impacted on them in their schooling years ,and where they are at right now as young adults, ages 20 to  24 years old.

Thanks to past sponsorships from Bogle L'Ouverture Press, the Big Lottery, Help A Capital Child, Near Neighbours, the London Metropolitan Archives, Runaway Entertainment, Tamarind Books, Shangwe, Random House Children's Books and many more generous bodies and individuals (too many to name here), we have touched the lives of hundreds of children from diverse, multi-ethnic communities with a range of creativities and also a complexity of needs. 

There is no organisation quite like WAPPY in the UK or probably anywhere else in the world.  Our members come from a mixture of backgrounds, and while many have had or have happy upbringings and/or live `comfortable` lifestyles, some have faced life-threatening or changing illnesses, some have lost parents or siblings because of terminal illness, sudden death or violence,  or there has  been a family breakdown, some are young carers, some struggle to embrace their mixed heritage or have experienced discrimination for appearing 'different', some have been driven away from their countries of origin due to war or domestic violence, some have been experienced sexual exploitation and are 'Looked After' in the care system, some struggle to stay focused or excel at school, some are victims of bullying, some experience hidden or visible disabilities and some have  found themselves displaced through their families being evicted. In fact, they all have incredible stories of inspiration and courageously express their thoughts and feelings on paper directly or indirectly through poetry, prose or pictures or a combination of these.  Do please see the video attached which succinctly embodies the essence of WAPPY over our ten year history.

So 'WWW:Wonderful World of WAPPY' isn't simply a collection of original, ground-breaking poetry, short-stories and artwork by 100 young people.  It also shares first-hand experiences of various veteran members from 2008 and 2009, reflecting on how WAPPY  has impacted on them in different ways, as well as the personal accounts and journeys of various  volunteers and collaborators who have worked with WAPPY.

With all the negative stories we hear in the British media about the rise of youth knife crime which is partly said by social commentators to be a result of austerity measures, and poverty, WAPPY, and its products, the anthology, and process, offer a ray of light in a gloomy world.  Please help us to keep that light burning for hundreds of young people, for our authors and young readers, and their families who will encounter the book. Apart from the cost of the publication which we are applying for from the Arts Council we would need help to fund the Reception & Book Launch.  Our youngsters have work so hard and deserve to be pampered at what we know will be a prestigious event, with the UWL's hospitality team partnering with WAPPY to cater for our guests' diverse cultural and culinary needs. 

I leave you with the endorsements of Dr. Rupa Huq (MP)  and Sebastian Jenner (Producer of Hillingdon's Literary Festival - Brunel University).

As Rupa Huq (MP.) poignantly states, on the Back Cover, 

"Since my election in 2015 I’ve never failed to be impressed by Grace and the WAPPY crew whose output is diverse from its Bob Dylan day to the launch of the book written by Grace’s octogenarian mother – both in Ealing Central Library in the heart of my constituency. I am proud to introduce this wonderful collection of poems, stories and artworks by the young artists of the future. WAPPY is a force for creative good in West London and provides an artistic outlet for young people of all backgrounds. This publication is truly inspiring and demonstrates the bright future that lies ahead of the next generation."

"This wonderful anthology is a tangible product of love and inspiration, and of creative dedication – not just from the brilliant organisers – but from the very many talented voices that it spotlights, all of whom are original, inspiring and rejuvenating. To read these works and to celebrate ten years of success with them is not only to rediscover the creative excitement of youth, but to be filled with hope for the future. I’m sure that in another ten years I’ll be desperately hoping these young writers can find the time to headline our festival! "  

Seb Jenner – Producer of Hillingdon Literary Festival Brunel University London

Fundraising team: WAPPY (2)

Akuba Quansah
Organizer
Raised £405 from 16 donations
Seb Jenner
Team member
Raised £45 from 2 donations

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