Ipswich youth organisation, ACYCLE, says they are ‘desperate’ for funding now that the money they were receiving from Ipswich Borough Council has stopped.

The African Caribbean Youth Creative Learning Experience project (ACYCLE) was being funded by Seeds of Change - a pot of funds supplied by Ipswich Borough Council to launch projects to improve the lives of young people. But those funds run out this month.

East Anglian Daily Times: Without funding, ACYCLE cannot continue. Pictured: Franstine JonesWithout funding, ACYCLE cannot continue. Pictured: Franstine Jones (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

ACYCLE, a programme for children aged 5-11 from black and dual heritage backgrounds, was set up to help children feel empowered by taking part in cultural activities and learning about their history.

A celebratory event was held on July 20, showcasing the children’s new-found talents. But there were sad undertones to the showcase, as without funding ACYCLE cannot continue.

East Anglian Daily Times: Children at ACYCLE have learnt African drumming, spoken word and Jamaican patty makingChildren at ACYCLE have learnt African drumming, spoken word and Jamaican patty making (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

“We are trying desperately to seek funding – it’s absolutely necessary. We will not be able to survive and do this without the funding,” said Imani Sorhaindo, one of ACYCLE's directors.

“We’ve kept the costs very basic, but resources that reflect duality and diversity, sadly, cost a bit more. To have a range of crayons that reflect all shades of brown, rather than going to a shop and getting a few tones, costs money,” she added.

ACYCLE has made a huge difference to children in the local community, providing activities such as African drumming, spoken word, Jamaican patty making and Yoruba language classes.

East Anglian Daily Times: The staff and volunteers that make up ACYCLEThe staff and volunteers that make up ACYCLE (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Aicha Lees-Dem, 10, was at the event and explained what kinds of activities they have been taking part in.

“We’ve been doing cooking, vegetable patty making from Jamaica, and lots of arts and crafts. We’ve also learnt another language.”

“I really enjoy cooking, it was fun. I have done cooking before, but I’ve never done African cooking. It was quite fun to learn something new,” Aicha added.

East Anglian Daily Times: 10-year-old, Aicha Lees-Dem with her mum, Daisy10-year-old, Aicha Lees-Dem with her mum, Daisy (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

Aicha’s mum, Daisy Anna Lees, says that she is glad her daughter is learning new things, meeting other children from diverse backgrounds and is being enriched by the ACYCLE programme.

“It’s great! I want my daughter to be as powerful as possible with a great attitude for self-potential.”

“There’s been a 30-year campaign to bring black history into UK schools, so to have an out of school club where children can learn additional activities is really nice,” she added.

Imani says donations are welcome and can be made through Ipswich & Suffolk Council For Racial Equality (ISCRE). For more information and contact details see here