26/3/21

The experiences and emotions of children in Cardiff during the first coronavirus lockdown have been captured in a short film.

One year on from the start of the nationwide shutdown last March when schools closed, home schooling began and households needed to stay at home, the ‘Diff Diaries project - which invited young people across the city to document how their lives had changed throughout the pandemic, has culminated in a 30 minute video showcasing the submissions.

The project was launched by the Cardiff Commitment, a Council initiative that brings together the public, private and third sectors to work in partnership with schools, industry and education providers, to raise awareness of the breadth of career opportunities available in the Cardiff Capital Region and develop children and young people's skills to sculpt the future growth for the jobs of tomorrow. The project was supported by Screen Alliance Wales, Principality Building Society and University of South Wales.

Children and young people were invited to submit a short video diary, photo collage or written diary entries showing how they were keeping busy, the new skills they were developing from home, how they were staying connected with family and friends, to give them the opportunity to share their experiences during those challenging times.

 A short film has now been produced by media production students at project partners, the University of South Wales, to celebrate the project and all those who contributed to it. Excerpts of the short film will be featured on the Council and Cardiff Commitment's social media channels. The full version can be viewed here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDj53UcGzug

Working with the  Museum of Cardiff, the videos will also be kept to help future generations to understand what living in this unprecedented time was like for children and young people in Cardiff. This aspect of the project will be developed when the museum is able to reopen again.

Five pupils have been highly commended for their contributions to the ‘Diff Diaries and have received a trophy while everyone who took part has received a medal.

The five highly commended contributors areIsla-Grace Martin and her sister from Llanishen High School,EiraWolski from Howardian Primary School, Irfan Gwillim of Cardiff High School, Gertrude Tsohuka from Adamsdown Primary and Lydia Barker of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf.

A council spokesperson said: "The Diff Diaries has been a fantastic project that has ensured children and young people's voices have been heard during the pandemic.

"The content of the entries has varied massively from one to another, touching on children and young people's fears, moments of joy and the realities of life in lockdown but one common thread is clear throughout and that is the strength, resilience and creativity of our Diff diarists. These videos are invaluable - they are important oral and visual records that give a real insight into children's lives during a very strange and historic time."

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