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We are War Child
We are War Child
Last year, we were delighted to be asked to be involved in the creation of this incredibly powerful video in collaboration with War Child UK. In 2023, War Child marked 30 years of work supporting children in conflict and challenged themselves to make a film that told this story. Titled ‘We Are War Child’, the film is both a ‘story so far’ and a renewed appeal for action, raising awareness of the organisation’s international work and reaffirming its mission during a time when help is needed now more than ever.
The core inspiration for ‘We Are War Child’ comes from the idea of expression in art, which can be a powerful and calming tool for children – especially those in areas affected by war. Organised by Ross Stirling and working with filmmaker George Maguire, our children, who represent a diverse range of backgrounds from around the world feature throughout the film. Footage of the children’s mark-making was combined with footage from the organisation’s past three decades of work, highlighting the universal importance of creativity in all children’s development.
Combined with evocative wax crayon illustrations from artist Lucy Mahon, animated by James Phillips, the visual language of childhood was used to help tell this story, which was set to a powerful score by musician Ben Lovett showing the fragility of conflict. While the voiceover charts the course of War Child’s journey – touching on its unique relationship with music to raise funds and awareness – the footage intentionally puts children front and centre.
We are very proud to be working towards becoming the first School of Sanctuary in the London Borough of Ealing. Please lookout for more information about our work coming soon.
Equality Objectives
Halo Schools Code
John Perryn Primary is committed to working towards creating a world without hair discrimination and believe that no-one should have to change their natural hairstyle in order to thrive.
Race-based hair discrimination is illegal in the UK and hair is a protected characteristic, under the law. However, 58% of black students experience name-calling or uncomfortable questions about their hair at school. 1 in 4 black adults report that they had a negative experience when at school in relation to their hair texture. 46% of parents say that school policies penalise afro hair. World Afro Day and De Montfort University (2016) The Good Hair Study by the Perception Institute and the Hair Equality Report.
As a school, we have signed up to the Halo Code to protect the rights of black students and staff.
School Code
Our workplace champions the rights of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our black employees' racial, ethnic, cultural and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance.
We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles, including but not limited to, Afros, blocs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps.
At John Perryn, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues' identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality, kindness and respect, where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employees' ability to succeed.
For more information about The Halo Collective, visit their website here.