On 28th May 2015 we launched our documentary film, Many Journeys, Many Voices at the Hibs' Supporters Club in Edinburgh. Dr. Daniela Sime from the University of Strathclyde and Eileen Simpson, Principal Teacher of the English as an Additional Language (EAL) service at the City of Edinburgh Council gave presentations on their experiences of working with young people and families who have settled in Scotland at the launch which provided additional context to the film.  Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People also gave a presentation.    

All of the young people featured in the film attended the launch and took to the stage to answer a series of questions about their experiences of settling in Scotland:

What are some of the differences between Scotland and your home country?

“It’s just so freezing!”

“Difference is the culture and the people...sometimes people put distance and it’s hard to make friends.”

“The big difference is the language.”

“Life in Poland is more poor...there are more opportunities here to get jobs.”

How has MCFB helped you?

“I was an angry person, but they gave me help and confidence...they made me who I am today.  Thank you!”

What do you think is important for teacher, friends and other professionals to know when they are working with young people who have moved from another country?

“Hear us out...a lot of people don’t realise we don’t understand jokes.  It’s not cause we’re dumb, it’s just we don’t understand where you’re coming from.  Just give us time, time to adjust.”

What encouragement would you give to other young people who have just moved from Scotland to another country?

“Believe in yourself.  Things will get better.”

“It does get better.  Once you learn the language, it’s all up from there.”

“Just be brave.  You will get used to it.”

If you would like to see the film, you can view it online by clicking here. Alternatively, if you would like to have a copy of the film on DVD, please contat Philippa Kemp and we can arrange to send a copy to you. We welcome your views on the film, also, and if you have any ideas on how the film could be used to highlight and raise awareness of the issues raised in the film, we would love to hear them.