Multi-generational project fosters sense of connectedness amongst Luton’s Bengali community

Photograph of a colourful wall mural featuring a tiger
Celebrating Bengali Heritage Mural Centre for Youth and Community Development

National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £10,000 to £250,000

Date awarded
Location
Beech Hill
Local Authority
Luton
Applicant
Bangladesh Youth League Luton
Award Given
£126217
Bangladesh Youth League Luton aims to create greater understanding of Bangladeshi heritage and culture through creative activities, sharing heritage with the public and training project volunteers.

A group of young people will be empowered with training and support to delve into the rich heritage of Bengal since 1971 when Bangladesh declared independence. They will utilise web-based resources, collaborate with staff from the Bangladesh High Commission and local residents, and collaborate with an artist and workshop facilitators.

Photograph of festivities
A previous event celebrating Bengali heritage

 

Creating a tranquil garden

Building upon the installation of the Shahid Minar, a symbolic Bangladeshi monument at the organisation's centre in 1991, Bangladesh Youth League Luton also aims to establish a Heritage Garden. This space will serve as a sanctuary for individuals seeking moments of reflection and tranquillity, enhancing the existing area through the support from volunteers. Participants will research Bengali plants that are suitable for the UK climate, and contribute to the planning, design, implementation and maintenance of the garden.

Group photo of people wearing Bengali dress
A previous event celebrating Bengali heritage

 

Fostering new collaborations

Our funding will also enable them to:

  • host an exhibition, create a memorial wall mural, and a programme of Bengali songs, dances and poetry
  • capture and record memories by producing a booklet, short videos and recordings of oral history
  • create various staffing roles to support the project, including administrators and youth support workers
  • kick-start new relationships between Bangladeshi organisations in other parts of the country

Sunil Kumar, Heritage Project Co-ordinator for Centre for Youth and Community Development, said: "The project will give people of all ages in the community a chance to get involved in this endeavour.

"The young kids will get involved with cultural arts and enhance their confidence. The youth could bring their energy to research and collecting data and the elderly can share the memories and guide us through their journey."

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