Award
Young Roots, £12,900

Background
Action Force Africa (AFA) works with young people to get them involved in African development projects that support and work with young people in Africa. They also participate in training and projects around global citizenship for young people in the UK. AFA had an idea for a transatlantic slave trade project that would explore the connections between Liverpool and the slave trade.

A group of young people were brought together to develop ideas for how a transatlantic slave trade project would take shape, and the AFA worked with them to complete the funding application process together. Since this is very much a project led by the young people, they have been involved in all aspects of project development, including sourcing for resources, expertise and support that they could bring onboard.

Project Outcome
A Long Way from Home has enabled young people to research the transatlantic slave trade in connection to Liverpool and gain an increased understanding of the city's heritage. To record this process of discovery, the histories and issues they have uncovered, the group intends to make a film (involving more young people) that documents the project. The film will be used in local schools and youth clubs to raise awareness of the issues among young people.

So far the project has been well received. Local youth clubs have been receptive and are looking forward to seeing the film. AFA have been working in partnership with the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which has been very positive about the project. There is potential for the film to continue being used as an educational resource, once the project is completed.