4 minute read
MIKE MCKENZIE: CULTIVATING CREATIVITYAND LOVE FOR A SENSE OF BELONGING IN FOSTERING.
A seasoned foster carer with over two decades of experience, Mike Mckennzie has seamlessly blended his personal journey with his professional endeavors, notably through his award-winning short film, Be-Longing. (MAD4Films)
Mike’s journey into fostering began over two decades ago, driven by a deep-seated desire to provide stability and love to children in need. Alongside his wife, Carol, he has cared for over 30 children, offering them not only a home but also the guidance needed to navigate life’s challenges. The couple also made the life-changing decision to adopt, further cementing their commitment to creating a family that fosters love and stability.
In addition to his role as a foster and adoptive parent, Mike is the father of a biological child, which brings a unique dynamic to his household. “Fostering has enriched our family in ways I never imagined,” he shared in a recent interview. “It’s not just about what we give to the children we care for—it’s also about what they teach us in return.”
Drawing from his own family’s history with informal fostering, Mike recognised early on the unique role men could play in this space. “It’s so important for children, especially Black children, to see positive male role models who look like them,” he explained. “It reinforces their sense of identity and shows them what’s possible.” As my dad did for me.
Beyond fostering, Mike’s impact on young people extends through his work as a music educator and youth worker. With over 30 years in the music industry and 19 years teaching drumming, Mike has used rhythm as a tool for healing and expression. He has worked extensively with pupil referral units, helping children excluded from mainstream education find their voice and confidence through music.
His drumming workshops, often described as transformative, provide young people with more than just technical skills—they offer an outlet for emotions, a sense of achievement, and a way to connect with others. “Music is a universal language,” Mike says. “It helps kids process their feelings and gives them a positive focus.”
Mike’s creative work reached new heights with the release of Be-Longing, a powerful film that captures the emotional complexities of fostering through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. The film, celebrated at international festivals, has become a tool for raising awareness about the foster care system and the importance of empathy in supporting vulnerable children and this film helps you see things from the Childs perspective.
Through Be-Longing, Mike aims to challenge stereotypes about Black families and foster carers, showcasing their resilience and capacity for love. “Representation matters,” he emphasizes. “Black children need to see themselves in stories of care and success. It changes how they see their potential.”
Mike was frank about what advice he would offer other men, to engage in fostering and social care roles. As he recognises the shortage of not only foster carers and social workers also. He spoke openly about the challenges male foster carers face, including the tendency for systems to default to engaging with female partners, but also about the unique contributions men can bring.
“Children need to see strong, positive male figures who can guide them and show them what a good man looks like,” he explains. “For Black boys especially, seeing a Black man who cares, who listens, and who leads by example can be life-changing.”
His advice to men considering fostering is clear: “Just start the conversation. Talk to someone who’s doing it, learn about the process, and don’t let fear hold you back. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
As Mike looks to the future, his plans include creating more films that explore the nuances of foster care and continuing his work with young people. Whether through music, film, or fostering, Mike’s mission remains the same: to inspire change and empower the next generation. “It’s about creating a legacy,” he says. “If I can make a difference in even one child’s life, then it’s all worth it.”
Mike not only uplifts children but also challenges society to reimagine the role of Black men in care and community building. For those considering fostering or working with young people, Mike’s message is simple: the time to act is now.
Michael McKenzie
