Free Education MCR featuring Akala (Hip Hop Shakespeare Company)

At FREE EDUCATION MCR we believe that education is a tool for building a fairer society. Education should be funded socially, through taxation, so that it can be managed democratically. This would empower people from all backgrounds to define what our education system looks like and learn in ways that best suit them. Free education would facilitate more creative, critical and practical approaches to learning that reflect the diverse needs of all people. This means funding schools, further education, youth centres, technical colleges, vocational education, art colleges, community projects, universities and postgraduate study so that everyone has access to life-long learning.

This is Free Education MCR’s ethos. Two weeks ago, the youth of Manchester came together at Manchester Academy to further educate themselves on this ethos by taking part in an educative event organised by them.

The Free Education MCR panellists joined to argue for a better and more accessible way to education.  Whether that is funding youth services, having schools teach a broader curriculum of history or recognising the importance of the arts, they gave each member of the audience something new to discover.

Akala
Photograph: Copyright Hafsa Qureshi

Key speakers included Malia Bouattia (NUS Black Students Officer), Piers Telemacque (Save Bradford Youth Services), Colette Williams (Black Activists Rising Against the Cuts), Sairah Yassir (Muslim Heritage & Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation) and the main guest, Akala (The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company).

Each speaker formed teams and had thirty minutes to discuss their chosen subject they were fighting for. The day was not just educational, it also consisted of activities for everyone to get involved in; screen printing, composing lyrical content, rhyming and creating a large mural that tells stories of education.  The event also featured brilliant performances from Young Identity, a group of young poets and performers from Manchester.

Piers Telemacque explained why youth organisations are so important for youngsters of today.  He asked the audience “how many of you have been involved in youth organisations?” and after a large show of hands he answered ‘that’s good – so a lot of you know the value of youth services’.

He argued youngsters need youth services and claimed that in schools, if you act up you would be kicked out whereas youth organisations use different techniques to understand.  Youth workers treat young people with respect and get to the bottom of why youngsters are acting up.  In return, youth workers are shown respect by youngsters; an approach which is often not incorporated in schools.

Sairah Yassir spoke about the right for a well-rounded education that included the history of those from different backgrounds such as ethnic minorities:  “There is a famous maxim in English that: “history is written by the victors”, but with the unearthing of sources, the questioning of said history is leading many to rethink current curricula, wider academia and media portrayal of “other” civilisations. We have to be rid of these notions of nations at competition with each other, and who has the larger proverbial stick in terms of “civilisation”. All had and continue to have a part to play. This can be achieved by having a multi-tier system functioning simultaneously in academia and the public sphere in focus. This could include: encouraging fair representation, providing platforms for all, publicising and promoting research publications of all peoples – especially those who are “othered”, teach-ins led by underrepresented peoples – preferably led by said peoples also, lobbying local and national educational boards and actively seeking to reference people from other traditions than that of the status quo.”

Also speaking with Sairah was the highlight of the event, Akala – MOBO Award-winning hip hop artist, historian, writer and founder of The Hip-Hop Shakespeare Company.  He has starred in Ted X talks, written for The Guardian newspaper and is an inspiration for the youth today.

Everyone waited in anticipation for him to speak.  During the breaks of the event, youngsters hovered around the young artist for advice, pictures and just to hear his words of wisdom.  He delivered a talk with the panellists on the role of the education system and its inequalities then another at the end of the day, where he gave an hour-long presentation on African history.

“The Caribbean didn’t contribute to slavery, they ended slavery,” Akala said, followed by a loud cheer in agreement from the audience.

“Three years after Haiti declared itself independent, Britain suddenly had a moral epiphany and said ‘hey slavery’s bad – we should abolish it’ and then they teach us in school, as I was taught, that Britain was the first country to abolish slavery – Britain wasn’t even the first European country to abolish slavery.  The French and the Danish abolished slavery before Britain but that’s how powerful colonial education can be.”

Whether it be about major changes such as cutting student fees or something as minor as the “need to teach our girls what healthy relationships actually look like” as Jess Lishak believes, those in charge of the education system would have learnt a lot from this event.

Events like these are vital because they enlighten our youth of today on how to make positive changes within our current society.  To see so many budding young people gathered in one place, wanting to discover various ways in which they can broaden their educational horizons, shows not only the importance of education but how much it is yearned.

Moiza Butt

Follow me on Twitter: @MoizaB

Girls On Film – Our Top Movies of 2014

The previous year saw some epic, funny and even controversial releases in cinema. The Hobbit came to an end (finally), more top selling books have been made into amazing films – Gone Girl and The Hunger Games series. And there was even an international dispute over the release of The Interview, which eventually hit our screens on Christmas day. Unfortunately, we don’t all get the chance to see every movie but we’ve each selected a few of our faves from the past year to share.

Maaheen
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 – Initially I wasn’t keen on the synopsis of the first film, a bunch of kids killing each other to survive (wth, right?!). But no. This film, with the rest of the others, is a perfect portrayal of how ridiculous the world is. It may be set in another world/time/place, but there are striking parallels between the destruction and brute force of the Capital and some of our current world leaders. At the heart of it is a simple message – for fairness, democracy and justice. I’m kicking myself for not reading the books earlier. *****

The Grand Budapest Hotel – Another delightful tale from Wes Anderson. I’ve always loved his films, from the storylines, all the way to the colour themes of each film. The story of a hotelier and his mission to essentially save his own ass, as told by his faithful right hand bell boy, Z. Its a sweet, funny story with an all star cast, good for an alternative family film option. ****

Captian America: The Winter Soldier – If like me, you’ve been following the Marvel film series, then this is one that you don’t want to miss. It follows Steve Rogers as he attempts to fit into the 21st century, but surprise surprise, he has to save the world…again. There’s issues at Shield headquarters, and Captain America goes it alone without the full help of his Avengers teammates, (except Black Widow). Another good family film, and one to watch before the release of Avengers: Age of Ultron. ****

Films I haven’t seen yet – Nightcrawler/Foxcatcher/Paddington/Only Lovers Left Alive/Birdman/Gone Girl/Pride

Moiza

The Fault in Our Stars – I’ve watched this film twice and loved it both times.  It’s cute. It’ll make you laugh. It’ll make you cry.  It’ll make you wish the book An Imperial Affliction was real.  If you’re looking for a romantic comedy to watch, this should be it.  It’s a story about two cancer patients, Augustus and Hazel Grace and their journey.  I would recommend reading the book before you watch the film as I felt some parts that made the book witty and unique were lost in the film.****

The Theory of Everything – I like to go into films not knowing anything.  When a movie is talked about too much by the public, it leads me to have false hopes and high expectations.  I went into this film not knowing anything except that it is a favourite at the moment. I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It gives a great insight to Stephen Hawking’s life, the acting is really moving and the way the it’s filmed is really powerful and emotional.****

Films of 2014 i want to watch: Wild/Maleficent/Horrible Bosses 2/Before I go to Sleep/ American Hustle/12 Years a Slave/Her/Into the Woods/ The Imitation Game

Louisa

Gone Girl – Possibly the most raved about movie of 2014.  But if like me you read the book before watching the film, you won’t enjoy it as much as those who haven’t read it.  You may think this is down to the “but the book is always better than the movie” curse.  You’re probably right.  But for me, a huge part of it is down to the movie not representing the same themes that made the story so original – media representation, our current troubled economy and the reality of marriage; it was just an action-packed thriller with a brilliant twist.  This is why only the readers will understand how genius the ending is, which many of the viewers have expressed their disappointment towards.  Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Gone Girl will blow your mind.****

The Maze Runner – The Maze Runner may leave some of you disappointed as it may come across as slightly amateur but you’ll be sat at the edge of your seat all the way through – and you WILL watch the sequel when it is released!  I don’t know what it was about The Maze Runner that left me wanting more – the talented young cast, the post-apocalyptic theme or just the overall suspense during every scene.  But there is no denying that this film will fill you with anticipation.****

Girls On One

#GirlsOnSkincare – The Ultimate Acne Guide.

My background

I’ve had clear skin for most of my life. Then I turned 18 and my ‘teenage spots’ appeared. (The irony!) I was gutted. People who knew me were gutted for me. It was one of the worst periods of my life. I’m sure that sounds dramatic but you can only understand once you’ve experienced problematic skin. My acne lasted for two years. I tried a number of things to find a cure (which are all included in this post) so I don’t know if it was one thing or a number of things that helped to clear my skin. Three years later, I’m now completely free of acne and ready to call it a nightmare I’ve woken up from. Here are my secrets!

You are what you eat.

Cut the junk. There’s no evidence to say food is related to acne or that it’s not related to acne but I personally believe food is linked to everything.  Every problem your body has can be cured with food.  Cut out the junk and you will notice a difference.  I can’t stress this point enough. Once I start eating junk again, I notice the change in my skin.  It doesn’t take long for spots to appear.

Green tea. Drink it. It has healing powers.

Keep a food diary. Now it might not be junk that’s causing your acne; dairy, chocolate, oily foods and coffee are also common in forming new spots.  It could be that it’s neither of these three.  Try to cut out foods you eat lots of one by one and slowly work them back into your diet so you know which food is causing the acne.  Document the foods you’ve stopped eating and in which period your skin looks best.  It’s a long process but it will help you in the long run.

From left to right – Garnier Express 2in1 eye make up remover , Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Scrub, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel, Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening toner, Origins Out of Trouble Mask (for troubled skin), Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal.

Skincare

Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise.  Every morning and every night.  You should do this even if you don’t have acne.  Have a routine that you know you can stick to.  Write it down so you don’t forget.  Just do it.

Remove make up thoroughly.  I like to take my make up off with make-up remover first and then cleanse my skin again to make sure all of its removed.

Exfoliators.  I personally don’t like to use exfoliators when i have acne. They’re painful on the spots and I don’t know if it’s just me but those little beads never seem to disappear no matter how much I try to wash it off! But you need to remove dead skin off your face in order for it renew.  I like to use Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner because not only is a great toner; it exfoliates too and gets rid of all the muck on your skin.  I use Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Scrub on just my nose area which I found made a big difference in controlling spots forming.

Face mask. Do it once a week and make sure it’s targeted for problematic skin.  I like to use Origins Out of Trouble. It’s the only product that gives me results by the next morning.  To maintain clear skin, use Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal.

The power of a muslin cloth.   Usually, I don’t need to use an exfoliator because a muslin cloth gets rid of the dirt on my face.  It’s great for removing make up too. Apply your cleanser onto your skin, wet your muslin cloth with warm water and wipe off.  Use one finger to get into the small areas like on the side of your nose and two or three fingers for the cheek.  They’re cheap to buy from supermarkets, which is always a plus!  I bought a pack which had 4 large cloths and cut them into smaller ones so they last longer.

Use the right products. I don’t believe skincare products can completely stop your acne but they can help to control it and stop the new spots from becoming worse.  At least, many of the products I’ve tried in hope to stop my acne, so far, haven’t worked.   Finding the right products can be hard though so do your research.  Beauty blogger videos on YouTube really helped me such as Ghostparties who has quite a few videos on acne!

Spend a bit more on skincare.  Research is also important because if you’re going for expensive products, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.  Not all high-end products are amazing but if you’re going to buy products for acne, use a high-end one.  Different brands specialize in different products so don’t buy all products from one place.  I like to use a cleanser from one place, toner and moisturiser from another.  Just because they’re the most expensive, it does not mean they’re guaranteed to work.

You’ve got a spot. Now what?

Concealer is your best friend.  Even if you do all these tips, there’s always going to be a spot you want to hide.  Use concealer that is suitable for spots and isn’t so heavy that it causes new spots.  Some make up stores sell highlighters as concealers so if you want to cover up acne, make sure you tell the sales assistant.  The last thing you want to be doing is highlighting the spot!

Scars. They suck and take a long time to heal.  In fact, i would say scars are worse that the actual spot because even when your skin looks flawless, the scars always show.  I’ve heard Bio Oil is amazing to get rid of those spots but i personally have never been able to stick to it as it takes a while to work.  The only thing that has made a slight difference is Kiehls Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution.  Pricey yes, but it does work.

Face Mapping. There’s a great thing called face mapping in which you can see from where the spots are located on your face as to why they’re caused.  Looking this up will give you an indication as to what you need to stop doing in order to cure your acne.  The genius that is Lauren Conrad helped me figure out mine. (Click here for link.)

The Odd Spot.  Now theres a difference between getting the odd spot now and again and getting serious under the skin acne.  For the odd spot use Origins Super Spot Remover. 

Treat. Yo. Self.

Treatments. It’s very good to try to cure your acne but the process takes time.  In that time, you will have spots that need to go away.  The way to do this is to treat it.  One for the bigger noticeable spots (and scars) for me is Duac Once Daily which you can get from your GP.  Apply it every night and I promise you, you will notice the difference.  Another is La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+].  This product makes your skin look good overall, smoothing it and getting rid of the tiny pimples.

Speak to someone with acne. Different things work for different people.  If something doesnt work for you, ask around.  Something that has worked for someone else, might help you.  Everyone has their own tips and tricks.

Stick at it. Acne is awful and like all the Proactiv adverts say, ‘can really get you down’.  It’s a long process but if you stick at it, could really be worth it.  We all look for a quick fix but the hard truth is this stuff takes time to cure.

If you decide to try this guide, let me know what you think and if it works! Part two on acne is out tomorrow!

Moiza Butt

Follow me on Twitter: @moizab

*This post is unsponsored and all opinions are my own. What may work for me, may not work for you.  This is what I believe can help you with your skin.

Girls On Skincare.

From next week, we are going to be talking skincare! Dry skin, to acne, problem skin to combination – we will answer your questions as honest, ordinary girls who go through the same skin issues as you do.

Contact us here, or email us at girlsonhq@gmail.com

You can also tweet us @MoizaB/@Mmaaheen/@LouisaButt.

Be sure to follow Girls On One in time for #GirlsOnSkincare

Girls On One

Capturing the moment.

Technology has taken over the world.  Everyone who is anyone has a smartphone. I can’t imagine going a day without my phone. It’s become so natural to me to check social media sites first thing in the morning or take snaps of my food the second it arrives. It’s the norm to be obsessed with our phones- social media, in particular. Even celebrities use it to engage with their fans.

But have social websites made us anti-social?

Hear me out.  Social media isn’t all bad.  I am a firm believer that social media will take over the world (seeing as Pinky & the Brain failed) and the future will be saturated with it. Our generation have formed a collective identity online, where we share the same sense of humour and/or many many other interests with one another.  This I appreciate about social media.  If I need to find out more about a certain topic, one tweet can solve all.  Sharing your moment with your family, friends, followers can be nice but it shouldn’t become the purpose of why you go to a restaurant or hunt down a celebrity for a picture.

The way some of us consume social media is the problem. It’s great to be able to Instagram that picture of your food an’ all but don’t we all know somebody that uses their phone 24/7 and make us feel they are not truly concentrating? Too busy tweeting about the event that they miss the important parts? Too occupied picking a filter to actually appreciate what they’ve taken a picture of? How is it that being social online has made us anti-social in person? That doesn’t make sense!

“So what?” I hear you say; if technology has advanced, why shouldn’t we use it? How is it harming us really?

 

I’m a constant user of social media so I’ve never seen it as a problem until I came across a short film starring Kirsten Dunst – ‘Aspirational’ directed by Matthew Frost –  on how selfies mean more than conversation.  We all love a good selfie but the film demonstrates that the art of conversation is dead.  The fans could have asked Dunst a question about her success but instead only cared about others knowing they met her. How many of you can say you didn’t recognise yourself, even slightly, in that video?

Capturing the moment has become so easy. We all have cameras on our phone. But are we actually capturing the moment? Or are we missing the moment?  We’re all so engaged trying to show the world our moment, our friends and followers, that we have forgotten to truly take a moment and appreciate what we’re trying to capture.  Remember the great moments through what you see, not what you snap.

Moiza Butt

Follow me on Twitter: @moizab

Exams are Coming.

The paper in your uni notebook is running out.  You’re missing lectures to make up for work you need to hand in.  The sun’s out but you’re stuck inside the library researching, looking on the outside where people actually have a life.  Praising yourself for when you decided to get a fringe, so you can hide your bushy brows, which are now beyond taming because you don’t have time to get them done.  People keep telling you that you look tired and stressed (yes, we heard you the first time!).

It can only mean one thing; exams are coming.

I’m lucky because this year I only have two exams but whether it’s two or twenty, each exam is a burden in itself.  I hate exams.  I’m rubbish at them.  But I need to sit them if I have any chance of passing this year.  Here are a few tips that have helped make my life bearable through this difficult period!

Cant face my exams.

Wake up in the morning.  I know it’s cliché and everyone says it but it’s true.  Mornings are for working and nights are kept free to relax because you know once it gets dark, you won’t be working.  Once you get some work done, you can reward yourself enjoying the rest of the day watching back-to-back episodes of True Detective.  Hello Matthew Mcconaughey!

Pick the right environment.  Whether it’s the library, your bedroom or a coffee shop.  Try it out and see where you’re least distracted.  I personally find working on a spacious desk by myself works for me.  Everything distracts me, so I like to work in a place where nothing can disturb me.

Organization? Check!  Make a list of anything and everything.  Tick it off as you go along so you feel like you’ve accomplished something.  As silly as it seems, it works. You’ll see how well you’re progressing and at what speed you’re working at, too.

Don’t mix business and pleasure.  Even I’m guilty of this. We try to make ourselves comfortable so that working is bearable.  For example, if you’re working at home, don’t sit on the bed.  Keep the bed for resting and keep your desk for working.  It looks comfy and it’s tempting but you’re going to take a nap and you know it!

Food glorious food. Just give me that Dairy Milk, someone, please.  The amount of chocolate I eat when I’m working, no force can stop me. But if you’re trying to lose weight for graduation, which I know many of you are, keep yourself away from unhealthy foods.  Eat brain food.  Surround yourself with foods like nuts, fruit and water, especially when the weather is warmer because you’ll want to eat them.  (There’s an old wives tale in the Asian community where you’re not supposed to eat almonds and water together because you’ll get a sore throat so be careful!)  There’s more of a chance you won’t be reaching for that junk if the food is already around you because if you’re lazy like me, getting up from your chair is an effort.

Music. It works for some and for others it disturbs.  I find listening to music helps me.  I try to listen to music I’m not too familiar with because if I listen to The Weeknd or Lana Del Ray, I will stop working to pull out that hairbrush!  My favourites to listen to are London Grammar and Pharrell.  Once you’re familiar with it, change it up again.  Listen to it on a low volume so your focus is your work.

Make a list of things you want to do once exams are over.  I plan on watching endless TV, reading books for pleasure again, baking, hitting theme parks, movie nights and come dine with me seshs.  Have something to be excited for when all this is over.

What i expect my bookshelf to look like by the end of summer.

Take some time for yourself.  Have one day a week where you don’t do anything.  Get that list of errands done.  Meet a friend. Go shopping. Pamper yourself.  Anything to take your mind off exams for a few hours.

My final tip is probably the most important.

Make exams easy for yourself.  Create mind maps.  Whip out them highlighters and post-its. Break it down.  If you have to remember lots of facts, make songs out of them so you remember.  If you’re studying a novel, remember to focus on a few themes.

That’s all, folks! Good luck!

Follow me on Twitter: @moizab

The Weeknd: The second time round.

Those of you lucky enough to know me will know how hooked I am on The Weeknd’s music.  On Sunday 24^th November at the O2 Apollo in Manchester, I was lucky enough to watch him perform for the second time – no regrets! 

The Weeknd AKA Abel may be very popular but doesn’t get half the amount of radio play – I’ve only ever heard his songs on Radio One but even that is rare.  Obviously, this is down to his music being too explicit but compare his music to the other rubbish played on mainstream radio and you will realise that Abel is, in fact, a musical genius.  I have never come across anything like his music before.  If you don’t know what Abel sounds like, think of Michael Jackson singing explicit songs about sex and drugs.  His version of Dirty Diana and his new song Wanderlust sound like something MJ would perform. 

Despite the lack of radio play, Abel is popular.   His lack of radio play may just be what makes him so loved because listening to his music is like being in a secret society that only the members know about.  His music is spreading fast and his fame has risen massively in the past year as he is getting more and more well-known.  He has even been chosen for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack for his song Devil May Cry.  You can imagine my excitement to see the collaboration of my two favourites!  When I see him becoming more famous, it makes me happy to see others are enjoying his music but a small part of me wants to scream “I WAS A FAN FIRST!”

“I’m a little camera shy.” – Kissland

After Beyonce’s concert, I vowed that I would never wait hours for an artist again. But there I was again.  The four-hour wait seemed to fly by despite the freezing weather and soon were rushed inside.  One major disappointment of the night had to be the amount of tall people –  I can picture you all laughing at my annoyance over such a trivial matter but I’ve honestly never been to a concert with so many tall people that the rest of the crowd were struggling to see past!  So, here’s my plea to tall people – please let the considerably shorter people stand in front of you and please refrain from wearing hats, they only further block our view!

I was surprised to see the bigger production this time round.  Abel proved the first time when he performed in March, at the HMV Ritz in Manchester, that he doesn’t need a show-stopping production to make his concerts amazing; just himself and the microphone is enough for his audience.  His first performance was intimate and the focus was purely on the music.  However, this time was different.

Abel arrived on stage in style.  He hid behind a white sheet projection (like the man behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz) whilst he sang a line and the projection replied to him.  The different coloured lights and the short Japanese commercials were unique.  At one point in the show, Abel turned his back towards his fans and performed in front of a camera.  I thought this was particularly innovative.  It felt like the stories told in his songs were real and by turning his back to the audience he was blocking out his fans to focus on playing the character from his descriptions.  It seemed as though he was mingling more with the crowd this time too, making jokes with us and mimicking the Mancunian accent; his personality really shone through.

Abel hiding behind a white sheet projection.

Abel told the audience that this concert was how he intended for the music to be played and he did just that.  I love the way some of the songs became rock songs or fast-paced songs were slowed down.  Even though the night held a different tone and atmosphere to the last time I saw him, one thing remained the same: Abel is an incredible singer.

My favourite moment of the night was when my sister screamed “I LOVE YOU ABEL” to which he replied “I love you too baby, where are you?” This was the second time that this had happened and yes, we HAVE been replaying the moment on an average of 10 times a day!

I have to give credit to Banks and Zane Lowe too; they were brilliant supporting acts.  Even though Banks is a great singer, I was distracted by all the tall people and started to get agitated by not being able to see anything.  However when Zane Lowe entered the stage and played music from the likes of Kanye, Fat Man Scoop and Macklemore, the crowd was instantly and massively pumped up.  If it weren’t for him warming us up, I probably would’ve spent the night miserable.

Even with the tall people, the aches and pains, my favourite songs Echoes of Silence and Twenty Eight not being played, I still had the best time.  I’m constantly replaying the videos everyday and reliving the night.  I can’t wait for others to discover his music.

If you’re new to The Weeknd, you should listen to Wicked Games, High for this, What you need and House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls.

Follow me on Twitter: @moizab