"Many young people today live between two, three or multiple worlds. At home, family traditions, language, and culture tell them who they are. Outside of school, friends, and British society shape them in new ways. Both worlds are beautiful. Both are real. But sometimes, holding both can feel heavy, confusing, or lonely."
This is why Striving for Inclusion (SFI) focuses on building The Bridge this year.
The Bridge is a space created for families from not only African backgrounds, but also those who are not of British origin, who are raising children in the UK. The aim is not to choose one culture over another. The objective is to help young people and their parents understand that they do not have to choose at all. They can stand happily in both places. They can be African and British, proud and confident, without losing their identity.
Why This Matters
Many young people in our community love their families deeply, but they sometimes feel different, mixed, or pulled in two directions. At school, they may hear one message. At home, they may listen to each other. They want to honour their family. They also want to belong outside. They want to feel seen in both spaces.
Some children tell us:
- "I feel like I am not African enough."
- "I feel like I am not British enough."
- "I do not always know how to explain my feelings at home."
- "People do not always understand me at school."
Parents also share their worries:
- "I do not want my child to forget our values."
- "I want to support them, but this system is new to me."
- "I do not always understand their emotional world."
- "I fear losing my child to a culture I do not fully know."
These feelings are not signs of failure. They are signs of love, hope, and effort. Families are trying their best in a changing world and deserve support, not judgment. Children deserve space to speak, not silence. Parents deserve space to ask questions, not fear.
What The Bridge Offers
The Bridge brings parents and children together. It offers simple language, activities, storytelling, and safe discussions to build understanding. It provides young people with space to explore their identity, pride, and culture. It helps parents adapt without losing their values.
Programme Components:
Workshops for Families
Talk, listen, and reconnect
Youth Cultural Confidence Clubs
Art, journaling, folktales, and peer voice
Circles for Parents
Learn about emotional well-being, school systems, and identity challenges
Training for Educators
Build cultural understanding and support African children fairly
Community Conversations
So everyone can learn from one another
This programme says to every young person:
You belong. You matter. Your identity is valid.
And it says to every parent:
You are not alone. Your wisdom is essential.
Youth Voices Leading the Way
We are proud to have Fatima, age 17, as our first young writer for this project. She has already begun to share her experiences, questions, and hopes about growing up with a multicultural identity. Her voice reminds us that young people do not need adults to speak on their behalf. They need space to speak for themselves.
Soon, we will invite more young people from our community to write for our platform and tell their stories, such as:
- What it means to be African and British
- When they feel proud
- When they feel confused
- What they wish adults understood
- How they see their future
Every story builds understanding. Every voice builds the bridge.
A Message to Young People
Your identity is not in confusion. It is richness. You do not have to choose one side. You are allowed to be many things at once. You are learning. You are growing. Your story matters. Your existence is strength.
A Message to Parents
Raising children in a new culture takes courage. Protecting values while learning new skills takes patience. Wanting the best for your children is a form of love in action. We walk beside you. We honour your journey.
Together, We Build Tomorrow
The Bridge is not only a programme. It is a promise:
We will not ask you to choose sides.
We will help you hold your whole identity.
Roots to remember where you come from.
Wings to fly into your future.
Comments (0)
Share Your Thoughts
Coura Gueye
Founder, Striving for Inclusion C.I.C.
Coura Gueye is the founder of Striving for Inclusion, established in Leeds to support families from Senegambian backgrounds dealing with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Through The Bridge programme, she works to help families navigate multicultural identities while preserving cultural values and building confidence in every space they belong.
Join The Bridge Programme
Whether you're a parent navigating two cultures, a young person finding your identity, or an educator supporting multicultural families, The Bridge welcomes you. Together, we can help every child feel proud of who they are and confident in every space they belong.
Related Articles
Between Three Worlds
Fatima's powerful story of growing up between Senegal, Italy, and England, and discovering her multicultural identity is a superpower.
Read MoreWhy Striving for Inclusion: A Founder's Journey
From Senegal to Europe and back - the personal journey that inspired the creation of S.F.I.
Read More
Loading comments...