Building belonging, empowering young people, bridging gaps
As we reflect on the first half of this year, we’re proud of a milestone that speaks to our growth and purpose, Genesis Sun’s transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). But just as significant has been the invitation to partner with the human rights education charity Journey to Justice and the academic research team at King’s College London, alongside the Edge Foundation, on a bold, youth-led research initiative.
Together, we’ve been involved in the Young Lives, Young Futures study, a major investigation into how England’s vocational education and training system could better support the 50% of young people who don’t go to university. These pathways are often unstable, underfunded and misunderstood. Our collaboration focused on reaching diverse young voices in the Black Country, one of the UK’s most disadvantaged regions.
Creating Safe, Empowering Spaces
Genesis Sun was tasked with identifying young people from across Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, and Sandwell to reflect on the study findings and share their lived experiences. Using creative methods, from storytelling workshops to collaborative discussion spaces, the team explored the young participants perceptions of the education system, their aspirations and how prepared they felt for life after school if university wasn’t the goal.
Together with the project team, the young participants then co-created a film, to be launched at the House of Lords in November 2025, to help communicate the study findings to a wider audience.
What emerged was more than just data and more than a film, it was connection, confidence and clarity. We saw young people who had never met before coming together, opening up, and co-creating ideas for change. They felt valued, heard and most importantly, safe. This wasn’t just research. It was empowerment in action.
A Missing Chapter in the Curriculum
One theme kept coming up: “Why don’t we learn more about our heritage?” Many young participants expressed a deep disconnect between their lived experiences and what’s taught in schools, especially concerning the African and Caribbean diaspora. This gap in the curriculum isn’t just an oversight; it’s a missed opportunity to foster identity, belonging and pride.
Through this collaboration, we’ve strengthened our commitment to building a more inclusive education model, one that reflects the rich diversity of young people’s histories and empowers them to shape their futures with confidence.
Reflection: Youth First, Always
This collaborative project has reminded us that true transformation begins by putting youth voices at the centre. When we create safe, creative environments, young people open up. When we listen, really listen, they teach us what needs to change. And when we collaborate across sectors, we amplify that change.
Partnerships like these aren’t just helpful; they’re essential. They show what’s possible when community, education and passionate changemakers come together with a shared purpose.
How You Can Support This Work
If you believe in creating environments where young people feel seen, safe, and inspired, we invite you to support our work at Genesis Sun.
👉 Visit our donation page to help us deliver youth-led projects that drive real social impact.
👉 Partner with us to co-create learning spaces that reflect the voices and stories that matter.
👉 Share this post to raise awareness of the need for inclusive, youth-first education.
Together, we can help every young person not just navigate the system but reshape it.
