July 2019 - October 2020
The “Knowing You, Knowing Me” project was conceived to bridge generational gaps and celebrate our rich heritage. GEM communities often have limited documented histories, with over 85% of family histories remaining unofficially recorded. As elders pass away, invaluable histories are at risk of being lost forever. Our groundwork began with outreach to local organisations and community members, igniting enthusiasm among both older and younger generations eager to participate. Their curiosity led them to engage in meaningful conversations with parents and grandparents about their family histories, creating a natural pathway for sharing and preserving heritage. This intergenerational dialogue became the cornerstone of our project, enabling us to achieve our core objectives: fostering an understanding of heritage, enhancing interpretation, and comprehensively recording family histories.
We collaborated closely with Raza Jamia Masjid, an Islamic school in Hyndburn, and Haslingden Primary School, engaging students and families alike. With participation from 14 girls and 14 boys at Raza Jamia Masjid, we encouraged students to explore their heritage through family trees. Although participation faced challenges due to COVID-19, we successfully connected with GEM families to gather valuable stories. Ultimately, we published the culmination of our efforts in the heritage project book, “Knowing You, Knowing Me,” which beautifully showcases the family trees and histories from the South Asian communities we engaged with across Rossendale and Hyndburn. It stands as a testament to the stories, connections, and rich heritage of our families.
Key Milestones
Project Launch:
The project commenced in July 2019, after gathering enthusiastic volunteers who spread the word through social media and community groups, showcasing their passion for capturing and sharing our heritage.
Community Engagement: We established connections with GEM men, women, and young people through local mosques, community groups, and ESOL classes. While initially challenging to engage older generations directly, involving their children and grandchildren created a supportive environment for sharing heritage.
Heritage Sessions:
From October 2019 to February 2020, we facilitated sessions with GEM women and young people from both schools. These discussions encouraged participants to delve into their family histories, resulting in a rich compilation of family trees that offered invaluable insights into their backgrounds.
Creative Approaches:
In early 2020, we developed innovative methods to present family stories. The final book featured hand-drawn trees, templates, and artistic designs, making the project both unique and engaging.
Finalisation and Publication:
We ensured families were comfortable with their narratives before printing. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we successfully printed 100 copies of the family trees, which were distributed to local libraries and community groups.
Celebration of Heritage:
In October 2020, we hosted a concluding event at Raza Jamia Masjid to honour the participants and share their stories. We ensured copies of the heritage book were accessible to the community, preserving these vital narratives for future generations.
The Impact
Through “Knowing You, Knowing Me,” we established a platform for families to connect, share, and understand their heritage in meaningful ways. The project not only documented individual histories but also fostered a sense of pride and identity within our community. By bridging generational divides, we strengthened familial bonds and nurtured a deeper appreciation for our diverse cultural heritage.
To stay connected and celebrate our heritage, follow our journey on our Facebook page: Knowing You, Knowing Me.
Gallery
