Poetry project gives insight into poverty and deprivation and stress

Tallaght’s Child Develop-ment Initiative (CDI) launches ‘Perspectives on Poverty’, a collection of poetry written by Tallaght’s children and young people on the theme of poverty.

The launch will take place at the St Mark’s Family and Youth Centre in Fettercairn next month.

The idea for the publication, created under the guidance of poet and creative-writing teacher Clifton Redmond, came from CDI’s previous research into the experience of poverty.

Their report ‘Over the Fence’ already revealed insights from children, young people and their parents in 2021, while highlighting areas requiring more attention from service providers.

“Building on these findings, CDI recognised the need to delve deeper into understanding poverty and stress,” said CDI’s Pauline Minsky.

Acknowledging creativity as a powerful tool to express complex experiences, the organisation then started a series of poetry workshops with Redmond.

Children and young people were invited to create fictional characters and settings, which allowed them to explore the subject from “a safe and imaginative distance.” While the content of the publication does not necessarily reflect the personal realities of those involved, it “offers a profound insight into their minds and experience,” according to CDI.

The organisation expressed admiration and appreciation for how bravely these children and young people opened up, shared their thoughts, and delved into their creative processes. “Their courage, creativity, and honesty are truly inspiring,” said Ms Minsky. “I hope that all the children and young people who took part in the project are very proud of themselves,” added Catriona Rogers from CDI’s Board.

“I loved working with these young people who had such enthusiasm to learn and share,” said Mr Redmond, who’s been an Irish Chair of Poetry Award recipient. “Creativity is an invaluable way to tap into thoughts and experiences which we might otherwise find hard to articulate.” Redmond’s experience as a socially engaged artist, particularly with vulnerable groups, made him “an ideal facilitator for this initiative,” according to CDI.

Staff and volunteers from Jobstown’s Citywise Education and Tallaght’s Foróige also took part in the project by encouraging and supporting children and young people through the writing process. Andy Leeson from Foróige commented: “Youth work is all about finding ways to build self-esteem, independence, and critical thinking. This poetry project was a new but very positive experience for the participants and gave them a great sense of achievement.”

The publication was made possible through the Participation Grant funded by Child and Family Agency Tusla.