AN INITIATIVE that will help more young people learn black British history has been launched.

The Black Curriculum, a social enterprise for black history education, started the programme which is set to properly begin in June this year as part of ongoing efforts to incorporate black history into the UK curriculum.

A series of free workshops is set to reach 1,800 young people aged 11-16 across Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Workshop participants will learn about black British history, and engage in both academic and practical, skills-based development across a twelve month period.

The springboard will give 360 young people from each city the opportunity to engage with a one-day intensive arts-based course with themes exploring migration, language, black liberation and empire.

The programme also aims to empower and encourage a greater sense of identity and improve social cohesion. Attendees will leave with a certificate of completion and access to the Springboard Network of contacts and resources.

The programme aims to support young people in a post-lockdown environment as the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures have raised concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

This has often been caused by a lack of in-person social interaction and anxieties around schooling.

The London launch of the Black Curriculum is scheduled to take place on June 26 and will be held in-person in the hope of encouraging young people to re-engage with learning and make new friends.

Lavinya Stennett, Founder and CEO of The Black Curriculum said: “After a very long year, I am proud to announce that The Black Curriculum is kicking off our Springboard 2021/22 Programme this June.

“Encouraging a sense of belonging and identity is at the core of our mission. The programme’s key focus on music and black history enables creativity to flourish which is crucial for young people’s development.”

To register your interest in joining the course, visit The Black Curriculum.