The righTTo dream

Maryhill Integration Networkand

Oakgrove Primary School Junior Writing Group

present

introductionThe Right to Dream is an anthology of creative writing exploring the thoughts, hopes and imagination of children from Oakgrove Primary School and members of mIN’s Junior Writers Group. Through this project the group have addressed challenging and important issues that are affecting children, not just here in Glasgow, but all across the world.

This International Group of Junior Creative Writers came together to share experiences and learn more about the circumstances of their peers from other countries, and how many of their lives are very different and difficult from their own.

We would like to thank all of those involved in supporting the project. First of all, we wish to thank Ahlam Souidi and Anne Leehan for giving valuable time and energy to complete this project. Also the Head Teacher and staff at Oakgrove School for being open and positive about developing links and breaking down barriers. Our photographer, Karen Gordon for the wonderful photographic images you see in the book. mIN Development Worker Rose Filippi for editorial duties. All our generous funders including; Race, Religion and Refugee Integration Fund, Community Planning Partnership, Scottish Refugee Council and Garscube Foundation. Finally we would like to say the biggest thank you to all our talented and wonderful writers that have contributed to the anthology – we wish you every success in the future.

Remzije Sherifi

Development CoordinatormIN

FIRST PubLISHeD IN 2011 by MARyHILL INTeGRATION NeTWORK

our World

Things That happen in the WorldSome parts of the world are in GRAVe danger, Some parts are notWe are really lucky that we are not!I don’t like it when earthquakes and tsunamisHappen in other parts of the world.I feel relieved that it doesn’t happen here.I also feel scared sometimes, if it has happened in other countries it could happen here.Think of a world without war, without earthquakes, without tsunamis, without troubles.Think of a world with so much peace and quietness.eVeRONe WOuLD be SO HAPPy!By Rimshah Faheem

No FlowersThink of a world without,Lovely flowersSunflowersRosesNo sandBy Joanne McDonald

Think of a Peaceful WorldThink of a world without any earthquakesThink of people , who are feeling happyThink of the children without any familyThink of people who are happier without any troublesThe world would be a better place The world would be greater for children.By Chloe Doyle

an empty WorldA world without trees is like a world without clothes.It’s like being poor and needy and you need more then everIt is like a lonely world waiting to eat something that tastes like delicious treats.you can starve to death and die a lonely man.By Kashif Javed

if We did Not have SunIf we did not have sunshine in our world,It would be sad, it would like the space.It would be boring and some more boring.I would be very scared.It would be so sad if there was no happiness.No sun to make you happy.No fresh air to keep you alive.By Rayane Souidi

imagine The World With No LifeImagine a world with no happiness.Imagine a world with no laughter.Imagine a world with no people.No one to love or care.Imagine a world without flowers.Imagine a world without trees.Imagine a world without cheer.THeRe WOuLD be NO LIFe.By Mairi McKay

it Would be a Sad WorldIt would be a sad world, if there was no one here.No laughter, no nothing, not one single cheer.Think about standing in your house by yourself.No cupboards no stands, not even a shelf.Imagine that happening, can you see?And no animals, not a bird or a bee.If there was no one to hear you cry.That would be a terrible world, oh my!That is why I am glad that we live in this world.By Emma Moore

our WorldNot long ago there wasn’t a lot of people in our world, but now there are six billion or more. We need to take care of the world we all live in.We need to protect humanity from the harm we cause by mistreating and neglecting the environment. We must recycle and save things when we can.Human beings, as well as trees, herbs, animals, need to live in a good atmosphere. We must keep the world clean and proper for every living thing.By Mohamed Souidi

People in disasterJust now in Japan people are dyingAll night and all day this is happeningPlease try to help these people in disasterAnd their families, right, about, Now! And tomorrow, to help make Japan beautiful again.Thank you.By James Henry Monteith

Japanese disasterI feel quite shocked by the news that Japan has had a disaster followed by another disaster, the earthquake followed by the tsunami.A lot of people have been injured and that is quite upsetting, also the fact that one of their nuclear reactor plants is maybe going to explode is devastating.The people of Japan are heroes, and we should do all we can to help them. It was in the news that a teenage boy and his grandmother have been rescued from the rubble after nine whole days and to me that is completely amazing.I am of course very sad for the people in Japan who have lost families and friends but I am delighted that people have lived to tell their tale.By Emma Moore

Shared feelingsTwo weeks ago Japan suffered a terrible disaster.This disaster was an earthquake which became a Tsunami.The earthquake and tsunami came along quickly it may not have come any faster.The people in Japan must have felt terrified they could never have seen such a big disaster in their whole lives.I would be terrified! This was not a disaster it was a big disaster.The earthquake started in Japan.Thousands of people lost their lives and many have lost more then that.It knocked down many buildings and there was no way out of the tsunami.So many people died in such few hoursHouses and more have been smashed and shattered britain has sent SOS brigades to support Japan and look for any survivors.By Oakgrove Junior Writers Group

earthquakeJapan has recently suffered a big earthquake.And this earthquake was a really big one, which turned into a tsunami.People have been injured and lots of people died.And if I was in Japan when this happened I would have been terrified.Never, ever has Japan had such a big tsunami and earthquake ever!!By Shelby Nixon

happyThere wouldn’t be a world without happiness,Happiness is for everyone,Happiness is trees, grass and flowers.Happiness is good on a lovely sunny day. I feel happier on a sunny day than on a rainy day.but happy days are everywhere,So come exploring on a happy day as there would not be a world without happiness!By Shelby Nixon

Family

a Life Without anyoneWhat would you do in a world without family?And without air, trees, flowers, sun.Without pets.Without streets and houses.Without schools and without anyone to love.What kind of world would that be.By Arman Niaghader

a good FamilyA good family is important to me because it’s where I get love, care, warmth and safety.My mum with a broken heart tells me about Algeria, it’s a nice and beautiful country and it is where my parents, aunts, and uncles are from. My mum’s face gets very sad when she remembers those children in Algeria who have lost their family.By Rayane Souidi

about my FamilyAround the world there are families dying in war and disasters.every day we hear about children in Africa and somewhere else whose parents are not there for them.I have seven aunties and four uncles and we all take care of one another and hope all people and families will be able to do the same.People should be grateful to have a family. By Humzah Asad

my Special PlaceFor twenty-five years my family has had a sort of tradition in which every chance we get, we go down to ballantrae where the sun shines brightly on the roof tops of the many, many caravans. This place is called Laggan House Country Park and I love it because it’s such an open space and there are so many friendly people there and if you listen just right you can hear the birds tweet in the trees, the wind howling against your caravan and the children constantly laughing outside.By Mairi McKay

What is important in the World ?In the world you need air, water, sunshine, trees, flowers and your family.What is important to me? My mum, dad, brother and friends.When I went on a trip for four days I missed my mum but I had a good time with my friends from my class.Some people in my class were homesick but I wasn’t. When I came back I was very happy to see mum and my family.By Kawan Niaghader

a gift For my CousinHello, my name is yasser Ali and I go to Oakgrove Primary School. I am eleven years old, I have three sisters and two brothers.The good thing about my family is they give us a great life.My mum is from Pakistan and my dad was born in Scotland. My brothers, my sisters and myself were born in Scotland too.When I was a kid, I went to Pakistan , I took with me all my favourite toys. I have a little cousin who called Asad, he looked so happy playing with my toys for the first time. I left all my toys as a precious gift to him when my family and I returned back to Glasgow. By Yasser Ali

a day in Their BootsI have quite a few long lost, far fetched and elusive relatives dotted around, starting from an uncle in burnley, to an Auntie in Canada!Now, I’ve been to my uncle’s house many times, but I was too young to remember. The thing that sticks out most vividly in my mind is that I would always visit him when I was at blackpool, and that I used to be afraid of the woods behind his house, because I had recently watched Jurassic Park.I have never personally visited any of my Australian Aunts or my Canada Cousins, but my Granny tells me that when at my Aunt Sadie’s house in Australia, you can’t get to sleep at night because of the huge spiders hanging from the ceiling! So I don’t fancy that much.When my Granny talks about Canada, I just think how lucky my bridgeton born Auntie bettie is! She says that the scenery is beautiful and the weather is brilliant, as opposed to the eggs-frying-on-the pavement type weather of Australia.but, at the end of the day, no matter how lovely the views, how amazing the weather, home is where the heart is, and my heart is planted firmly in the concrete jungle we call Glasgow.but we’re not the only ones who live here. There are children, just like me, living in Glasgow, who have come here because of wars, poverty, and disease, and some of these people are lucky enough to have some, or all of their families here with them. but some aren’t.Some people have lost their families in the war, disease, and generally standing up for what they believe in, and I can’t quite imagine how these people feel.This is what I think, but again some people don’t think like me. but I bet the people who criticize the asylum seekers who have come here to escape whatever has happened to them, wouldn’t last a day in their boots.By James Monteith

Life at oakgrove Primary School

my LifeMy name is Joanne McDonald, I am eleven years old, I like to play games and I live in Glasgow. I go to Oakgrove Primary School.My friend is Chloe and she is eleven years old too, we are in the same school.By Joanne McDonald

my Love to glasgowMy name is Arooba, I am thirteen years old, when I came to Glasgow from Pakistan I was very sad because I had no friends, later on I started to go to school and made new friends, the teachers were very kind and helped me a lot with my english.The education in Pakistan in not really good, as pupils are very badly treated by the teachers, I felt very scared to go to school because I was beaten by my teacher for no reason. We had no playground to play in, but here in Glasgow I really enjoy the playground and other activities in school with so many things to do.I also joined the activities in the community, and I made a lot of friends from everywhere in the world. I feel very happy but I can still remember a bit about my country of origin.I was so impressed by the transport system in Glasgow. The bus has lots of space, the driver is very polite, and on the bus there is a seat reserved for elderly people, disabled people and prams. People smile at each other and say sorry, please and thank you when they want to get off the bus. In Pakistan the buses are old and in very bad condition, they come only every two hours and always very busy and over crowded.By Arooba Akram

my SchoolOakgrove Primary is special and not like other schools.We have children from all over the world who speak all different languages and we make sure everyone is treated equally.At the school the teachers are all very understanding and are always there to help. They are here to give many chances and experiences to improve our learning.Here the pupils are all great and very hard working. We always try our best to achieve great things to take with us when we leave the school.In my opinion the most special thing about the school is that everyone who attends is equally respected.Oakgrove Primary is unique and you will not find a school like mine, no matter how hard you try.By Emma Moore

FriendsSince I moved to Oakgrove Primary in May 2010 I have made many friends, whose names are Taylor Davidson, Niamh McGroarty, Shelby Nixon, Arzu Sadat-Khan and emma Moore. We all like to do different things and have different interests. We also have lots of things in common, we all love to dance, play catch and draw, which we do in the playground. We all like to go swimming too and hopefully we can do this together when the weather is nicer.The reason our friendship has lasted so long is because we all try to make it work between us and because we all contribute to our friendships. If we have problems we talk to each other instead of falling out and arguing. We have such a good relationship with each other because we can compromise and accept each other for who we are. We are not all a like and we all have faults but my friends point them out to me and I do the same for them. We try to be better people and not let our faults upset each other.With my friends I can be myself.By Mairi Mckay

FriendshipMy friends are called Chloe, emma, Arzu, Taylor and Niamh. My best is Chloe.I have been friends with them since primary 1 except for Chloe because she came in primary 5 and then we became very good friends.Chloe and I have so many things in common one, of them is painting, we both like painting, it’s the art which you get to enjoy the colours and shapes.We also play together and do our school work together.I think our friendship has lasted so long because we are kind and loyal to one another but the bigger thing in our friendship is trust because we trust each other.By Rimshah Faheem

a SecretI was born in Glasgow, I speak Glaswegian, but I come from a different background.I have lots of friends, from Scotland and other countries.I go to the football academy and play with my brother and with my best friend in the area.My dad says I am a good ball kicker, as I can kick with both feet.I have a favourite team, I wear their t-shirt, and I feel very very happy when they win.One day I hope I can join their team and bring the cup home to Scotland.By Rayane Souidi

oakgrove Primary SchoolOakgrove Primary School has lots of different cultures and welcomes everybody. It is a good place to make friends and the people are friendly and helpful.My friends are Declan, David and Taher, they are very kind to me, and we go to the boy’s brigade together every Wednesday. We have a good time, we play and laugh and help one another.Oakgrove is a place where dreams come true, it is a big place to explore with nice, helpful and funny people. It is full of nice teachers that help you learn.The first year I was here, I was feeling shy but after a wee while I felt good and I feel better right now.By Kashif Javed

The right to dream

right to dreamThere is a dream in our mind which grows with us, we may be able to tell it, we may not.My dream can be a secret, can be sweets, can be a piece of bread or even decent clothes to wear.every child in the world has the right to dream, but their dream my die or survive.I felt hopeless to keep my dream, because I was dreaming in hiding.but now my dreams are flourishing because I am dreaming in Scotland.By Arooba Akram

We all have rights, right?As I sit at my dining table eating my warm dinner, in my warm house, I think about all the children in different parts of the world who don’t have a healthy life and in spite of this, they still try to live their lives.I have decided that when I grow up I want to be the person from my generation to prevent this happening to the next generation in counties like Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and eritrea.Children like me should have the right to have food and clean water, a loving family and a home. There are many other things that children are deprived from in a such countries.These children urgently need to be rescued and I hope that someone from my generation will have a power to rescue them.By Mairi McKay

am i allowed to dream?Shall I dream? or not, am I allowed to? the dream is around me, I failed to catch it, someone helps!My dream is about no wars in the world, no troubles, it is actually about peace of mind, love, care, respect, humanity, safety, to drink clean water, think of children with no roof and nothing to eat, and children are crying from pain but in silence.Am I allowed to dream?By Mohamed Souidi

Lifetime Journey The day has come! I was looking forward to my lifetime journey. Straight on from Scotland, right across england watching Manchester united playing Chelsea on my way through. I admire the transport system and the amazing clean cities. I am interested in the history of modern developed countries. Time to move on, here comes Paris! Once the major target for the German army, now one of the most fabulous cities in the world.Lets get some speed on! A left and a right lead us to Italy, famous for its food and recipes all around the world. The cartoon character Mario comes from Italy.Alarm Clock!!! Time for SchoolBy Usman Irfan

The important ThingsThings like family, friends and petsThese are some of the bestThings that you can get in lifeexcept cake, but that’s for another time!Now imagine a world without these thingsSomewhere for people who are boring!Somewhere not normal person likesWithout people, cars or motorbikes!If you were there what would you do?Well I am not so sure about youbut I would be lonely and scared, so I wouldI mean, in that place there would be no food.By James Monteith

Childhood

rights for ChildrenIt is my point of view that children should have rights. There are children in some countries that have no rights, and this is wrong. It is something that children our age can do something about in the future, or at least I hope we can do something about it. It makes us think of all the things we take for granted. below I list some things that all children should have.• Freedom and Peace• The right to speak freely• Good hospitals• Free medication• A home• Food and clean water• A loving family• Free education• Decent clothesI hope after reading this it will make you think how lucky we are.Remember the children in Libya, egypt and many other places.In britain we organise Comic Relief and Children in Need, please be generous and donate to help children across the world.By Emma Moore

Call for helpAll children should be able to go to school. In some countries there are children can’t go to school because they have to pay for it and their parents don’t have any money. These children can’t learn and they won’t be able to get a job and support themselves.I feel very sad about the children who don’t have the same opportunities as me.I wish I could help them in some way.By Shelby Nixon

Children Should have…Children should have the right to say what they want, they should be able to live and speak freely.Children should have a family to talk to and to take care of each other but most of all to make sure the children have a good life.A home is a home, nobody in the world should be homeless.Children should be able to wear decent clothing and have access to free health care and medicine.every single child should have the right to education.I am very lucky to have all these things, but I wonder how people in poor countries survive without all. I cannot really imagine a life without them.This is what I think children should have the right to. I wonder how children without these rights must feel and what they dream about.If I had the power to change the world I would let children be free to follow their dreams. I would not treat them as servants, I would treat them as brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends .By Rimshah Faheem

Children’s LivesChildren all over the world live different kinds of lives, only some are more complicated than others.I feel happy right now, I am eleven years old and I have my family to take care of me. What makes me happy the most is my family, they love me for who I am and if I feel ill they take me to the doctors. Here in Glasgow, most children are lucky to have a good life. They get a healthy food, clean water and free education. We feel safe and happy, but so many other children across the world only dream of these opportunities.By Kashif Javed

Children’s rightsChildren should have shelter, clean water and food and they should be able to have access to good hospitals for treatment. They should have the right to speak freely and they should have a home and a family because they are human like everyone else. They should have a happy life.By Arman Niaghader

human BeingsPersonally, I think all children in the world should be treated equally.All kids should have the right to enjoy every minute of their childhood.Most of all, they should have a loving family and good friends.you need family and friends to help you through tough times and without family you wouldn’t be able to grow up, because you would have to fend for yourself from day one, which would be absolutely impossible!When you really think about it, you realise how different yours and their lives are. See, when I go home from school I go into my room and I get to read some books, listen to music and play with my x-box, but my thoughts are with those children who don’t have homes to go to, those who have to walk for miles and miles for a bucket of dirty water, and those that work hard everyday in factories to secure bread and water for their families.That is not fair, because they’re HuMAN beINGSBy James Monteith

hungry ChildrenI am happy in Glasgow, I like my school.I go to the swimming pool with my big brother. My mum buys fruit, chocolate and sometimes toys for me.I wear a nice warm jacket in the cold weather.but I’ve seen on TV some children who don’t have anything to eat or drink. They are in Africa. I saw a little boy with a dry mouth, like a very very tiny skeleton, lying on his mother’s knees. On a broken and dry land they desperately look at each other, the flies flew around them and sometimes landed on their faces. I didn’t like watching this. It made me very upset.I couldn’t give bread to the boy through the TV.I changed the channel and my life turned to normal again. I watched a cartoon but the picture of the boy is stuck in my memory.By Rayane Souidi

Biographies

Emma MooreI am eleven years old and I am interested in many things including Harry Potter and school, I am always happy at Oakgrove as everyone makes you feel welcome. My favourite subjects are big Writing and language as I am better with letters that numbers (although I like to think I am good at that too!). When I am older I hope to become an author and to be as successful as J.K. Rowling.

Shelby NixonI am in Primary seven and I am looking forward to going to Hillhead High School in August this year. I enjoy lots of hobbies: swimming, running and gymnastics. I have a big family and lots of friends at Oakgrove Primary.

Biographies

Chloe DoyleI am in Primary seven at Oakgrove Primary School and my favourite subject in school is art. My favourite hobby is going to dance class.

Mairi McKay I am eleven years old, I have two elder brothers. I enjoy learning. I love to write and let my imagination run wild. I am very fond of animals; I have a dog and a cat which I love. The best thing about my life is the fact that I live in the best european country ever, Scotland!

Usman IrfanI am from Pakistan, I have been in Glasgow for three years, my hobbies are badminton and writing stories and poems, I have two sisters, I am the oldest. I dream to be a Neuro-Surgeon.

Arooba AkramI came to Glasgow from Pakistan In 2008, my hobbies are writing stories and singing, I have been told that I have a very soft nice voice. I like taking buses in Glasgow.

Biographies

Kawan NiaghaderI have a twin brother called Arman. I like football, swimming, basketball and running. At school I like ICT, Pe and big Writing. I was born in Iran and I came to Scotland in 2007, I like living in Glasgow.

Arman NiaghaderMy brother is Kawan, we are twins and we come from Iran, we both like football and playing with our PS3. My friends in school are James, Ali and Jordan.

Rimshah FaheemI am eleven years old and love school. I really like learning things and I absolutely love doing research. I don’t really like doing language work in school because I’m not that good at it but I do like maths because I think I’m really good that. In my spare time I like to play my Nintendo ds lite. I can’t wait to go to high school but at the same time I think I am going to miss primary school.

James Henry MonteithI was born in yorkhill Hospital, Glasgow on 9th May 1999. My hobbies are: playing X-bOX 360, reading, writing, watching T.V. and sleeping. I have a cat called bacardi who only has one eye. When I’m older I want to be a writer and to live in berwick upon Tweed, Ayr or Clydebank (don’t ask me why Clydebank’s in there).

Biographies

Joanne McDonaldI am eleven years old and I’m in Primary six at Oakgrove Primary. I have not been at Oakgrove for very long but I like it there. I like the after school clubs. I like to play games.

Kashif Javed I came to Oakgrove when I was in Primary four and now I’m in Primary six. I have good friends at Oakgrove who come from different backgrounds and cultures. We go to boys brigade together and we are all on the eco Committee in school.

Rayane SouidiI was born in Glasgow, but I am Algerian originally, I have one big brother, my hobby is playing football, my favourite friend in my school is bradley, I would like to be a famous Football player.

Mohamed SouidiI came to Glasgow from Algeria , as a little baby of one year and a half old, I love business and I’d like to be a lawyer and own many companies.

FIRST PubLISHeD IN 2011 by MARyHILL INTeGRATION NeTWORK

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