Pupils spread anti-hate message in tribute film
PRIMARY school children have helped to create a powerful anti-hate crime film in memory of an inspirational youth worker.
More than 3,000 people came to the funeral of Yasin Khan, 47, who died in October after a battle with lung cancer.
Before he fell ill Yasin, who was the equality and community cohesion officer at Rochdale council, visited St Luke’s Primary School in Heywood to lead an anti-hate crime workshop.
He was so impressed with the way the children engaged with the workshop he asked them to be part of the new film, which has been created in partnership with the Rochdale-based M6 Theatre and Mako Education, and commissioned by Rochdale council.
Now the film ‘Don’t Hate Me’ has been launched, just in time for antibullying week. The first showing was projected onto all the walls in the school’s ‘immersive room’ to give viewers a unique perspective.
Headteacher Kim Farrall said finding out Yasin was ill made the children even more determined to make the film a success and make him proud of the impact he’d had on their school.
Kim said: “The film is a small tribute to Yasin Khan’s relentless dedication working in schools and helping to improve the lives of the young people.
“We are honoured to be part of that legacy.
“I am so proud of our pupils for throwing themselves into this project.”
The mayor of Rochdale, Coun Ian Duckworth, said: “I found it a very powerful film and it’s amazing that our young people are able to tackle such big issues so well.
“It’s a real testament to Yasin’s dedication and hard work for bridging the gap between young people from all diverse backgrounds and communities by bringing them together.”
Director of children’s services at Rochdale council, Gail Hopper, added: “Hate crime is such an important topic and the way these young pupils have dealt with it is superb. They should be really proud.”
Parvez Qadir, from M6 Theatre, added: “The children worked so hard to make this a really powerful film.”