We need your help with marking the

40th Anniversary of Diwali Festival!

 

Oral History Training & Community Research

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Are you aged between 18 and 30? Do you have a strong connection with the Leicester Diwali Lights switch on? Are you passionate about preserving local cultural heritage? Then this is the project for you!

 

We are seeking volunteers to take part in a unique and rewarding heritage project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

 

Diwali 40 aims to mark the 40th anniversary of the lights switch on  and preserve the personal stories and recollections that shaped the Diwali’s identity into what it is today. Through this initiative we intend to not only bridge the gap between generations but foster a stronger community bond. Join us as a volunteer and help us bring our project to life. Whether you have a background in oral history, events or just a passion for heritage, we welcome all skill sets and levels of experience.

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Volunteer Requirements:

- Personal connection to DLSO and knowledge of the celebrations is preferable. 

- Organised, reliable and committed. 

- Be an active and engaged member of the team.

- Kind, patient and willing to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

- Keen and eager to learn.

 

Gains: 

- Free oral history training.

- Free experience working with community groups on a heritage project.

- Play a key role.

- Meet like minded individuals. 

- A statement of participation from Inspirate.

- A certificate attesting to the completion of the training program.

 

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KEY DATES

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Induction - online 20th May 6:30pm-7pm

This will be a chance to meet the team, hear more about all of the opportunities we have on offer and ask any questions.

 

Library session - 29th May 11am-2pm

Belgrave Library are holding an event for 5-11 year olds. We will be there with a stand asking children and their parents or carers to tell us their Diwali stories. We will be working with an artist and we are looking for volunteers to chat to the public and record their conversation.

 

Oral history training - 30th May 10am-1pm 

The East Midlands Oral History Archive team will be delivering training on how to interview and capture stories. More information can be found here: https://le.ac.uk/emoha/what-is-oral-history  

 

Heritage Road Show - 7th June 10am - 2pm

Join the Diwali 40 team on the steps of the Belgrave Neighborhood Community Centre as we chat to the public and hear the Diwali stories over the past 40 years. We are looking for volunteers who are happy chatting to the public and recording their findings.  

 

Interviewing community group members: 13th June 10am - 3pm (exact times tbc)

We have some wonderful community groups who meet regularly at Belgrave Library and who are engaged in the project. We would like some volunteers to use their oral history training skills and interview these groups.  

 

All of the above opportunities will be fully supported by the Inspirate team.

 

Join our team and contribute to preserving the uncovered stories behind the Diwali Lights Switch On  and communicate the importance in keeping the celebrations alive!

 

If you wish to get involved or if you would like to join the induction to find out more, please fill out the form below: