The Powerof Purpose
Gentle Empowerment: Supporting IdentityinPractice
EmpoweringBlackchildrenincareis not about imposing an identity, but about gently nurturing their own discovery of something they may havelostorcouldlearnmoreabout. This means creating spaces where theirvoicesareheard,theirhistories are celebrated, and their questions are met with empathy and understanding.Itmeansconnecting themwithmentors,rolemodels,and communities that reflect their backgroundsandexperiences.
Fostercarersplayacriticalrolehere. I encourage every carer-especially thosewhomaynotsharethechild’s ethnic background, to become students of the child’s culture, to seek out resources, and to engage with Black communities and organisations.
When a child begins to reclaim their identity, you can imagine something remarkable might happen: they find purpose Purpose is what propels us forward, what gives meaning to our struggles and aspirations. For Black children in care, a strong sense of identityandpurposeisnotjustabuffer against adversity, it can be the founda
leadershiptrueproductivity
Whenweknowwhoandwhyweare,we are simply better. And when we empower our children to know themselves, we give them one of the greatest gifts of all: the freedom to live, to learn, and to lead with confidence andpride.
I want to offer my deepest respect and admiration to the Black Fostering Alliance. Your unwavering dedication leavesmeinadmiration.Youchampion Black foster carers and uplift and honour the cultural roots of every child, and this is more than advocacy This is healing work You are shaping lives Becauseofyou,moreblackliveswillno doubtbeimproved. Connect with Curtis Powell Today
Sharon Campbell
Customarrangements, includingpre-camppreparation andpost-campdebriefing,are providedtohelpfostercarersand socialworkerssupporteach participantbefore,during,and aftertheprogram.
Whyit works
✅ResilienceThroughAdventure
Botswana offers the perfect “soft wild” stunninglandscapes,warmcommunities, and a super safe environment. Without the constant pressure of tech, campers are forced to problem-solve, adapt, and thrive — yes, even if their campfire hasn’t beenperfectlybuilt.
✅ Confidenceinthe CampfireGlow
At Camp Botswana, it’s not about tests or grades, it’s aboutshowingup,stepping up, and trying something new. Whether it’s through leadingagame,teachinga song, or learning how to build a shelter, campers r e t u r n h o m e w i t h confidence that can’t be taughtinaclassroom.
✅ CulturalIntelligence (andaBitofDancing!)
In a world that needs more understanding and empathy, this program gives young people first-hand experience of living and laughing with peers from a different background From traditional Botswana dance to cooking local dishes, your child will see the world through someone else’s eyes, and probablypickupafewkiller dancemovestoo.
However, the intersection between video gaming and gambling is a growing concern Microtransactions, like loot boxes, exist within many popular video games and are often unregulated and rarely age restricted.
Microtransactions are commonly small, in-game purchases that players can make using real money These transactions often involve buying virtual goods such as cosmetic items, character upgrades, or in -game currency The key concern is that exposing those under 18 to loot boxes may condition them to gambling-like behaviours before they are of an appropriate age
Early intervention is crucial for the effectual safeguarding of children and young people. Taking an educational approach to the topics gaming and gambling can significantly the likelihood of harm, as it promotes thinking and builds greater awareness risks and consequences. It is also vital those who care for vulnerable childre informed and confident in their ability to create a safe space in which to have h conversations about stigmatising topic gaming or gambling to help childre comfortable sharing their experience concerns.
As key role models in a young person foster carers are pivotal in not only iden signs of harm in a child but prev vulnerable children from experiencing harmsnlater in life
If you are a foster carer or have influence over a young person’s life, take action tod safeguard them from gaming and ga harms. Ygam offers free online awa sessions that provide valuable insights on to recognise, address, and prevent gaming gambling-related harms.
Register for a free workshop here.
For more information, email: training@ygam.org
Ygam is the UK's leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people.
Our work bridges the critical knowledge gap between young people's digital lives and the adults who guide them. We believe in harm prevention through education, empowering the people who can make a real difference.
The experience we have as adults often equips us to understand how this works in our relationship(s), but it´s not simple for our youths to navigate these intersecting fields Growing up as a black child in foster care today means not only dealing with internalized racism, adultification and personal traumas but also fighting destructive narratives about their group There is a lot of focus needed on the ongoing challenges that might be possible to put on understanding how drug use will impact the embodied experience of being sexually aroused or how anxiety will affect someone's sexual performance. Or how the fear of being rejected might stop that person from dating or even trying to date anyone at all
The negative cycle of harmful masculinity norms, destructive sexual norms, and Black children being both victims and at risk of becoming perpetrators needs to be drastically changed.
With comprehensive, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive sex education, we can provide young people with the knowledge and skills to better understand their bodies, consent, and sexual identities In this way, we can contribute to the creation of healthy relationships and also make sure to be role models in how delicate topics around sexual health such as pornography and sexual violence—should be addressed. We have a crucial role in the lives of Black foster youths, not only because it can be extra hard and complicated for non-Black people to build authentic deep relationships with Black people, but also because it is difficult to understand the harsh realities Black youths live in In the area of sexual health and sexuality, it can be even harder for them to express and describe sexual violence that is intertwined with, for example, white supremacy norms
White supremacy norms disconnect all of us from intimacy, trust,
and mutuality, which is a risk in understanding the dangers and risks in these situations and concerning the health of Black youths
Not only do black children and youths in foster care deserve a system that advocates for them, but a system that also prioritizes their rights with respect and cultural adaptation for their needs. If you are ready to deepen your understanding and are ready for a revolution in how you can integrate sexual health, sexED and how it intersects with mental health - take the next step by attending a free webinar on the 16th October @11am.
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