Latest news with #ThisIsMe
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Foster child turned inspirational speaker's teacher tribute film wins Cannes
From the care system to the red carpet – this powerful new film celebrates the everyday heroes who choose empathy over exclusion Foster child turned inspirational speaker's teacher tribute film wins Cannes MILTON KEYNES, United Kingdom, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Re-Story Your Life, a short documentary based on the lived experience of multi-award-winning international speaker Jaz Ampaw-Farr, founder of Be Human First Ltd, has received the Programmer's Choice Award at this year's Diversity in Cannes Film Festival which took place from 13 to 24 May 2025. The nine-minute film, directed by Susanna Wright of Nosco Films, is already being hailed as a 'must-see' for educators and changemakers, as it shines a light on the often-invisible acts of compassion that change the trajectory of a child's life. Filmed with raw honesty and poetic clarity, Re-Story Your Life explores how five teachers helped rewrite Jaz's future — from abuse and exclusion in the UK care system to standing ovations on global stages. The win in Cannes not only recognises a powerful piece of filmmaking but also reframes teachers as transformational figures in the wider cultural imagination. Why Now? With schools facing rising pressures and educators leaving the profession in record numbers, Re-Story Your Life lands as both a timely tribute and a rallying cry. It challenges the notion that heroism requires grandeur, instead presenting a powerful truth: sometimes, saving a life looks like showing up. Ampaw-Farr, now one of the UK's most sought-after keynote speakers, has delivered over 3,000 talks to audiences from TEDx to the ExCeL Arena. Her lived experience — from trauma to transformation — makes her voice urgent, authentic, and relatable. As calls for trauma-informed practice and human-first leadership grow louder across sectors, this film meets the moment with clarity and heart. 'I didn't set out to be inspirational — I just wanted to assert educators as everyday heroes,' said Jaz Ampaw-Farr. 'This film is both harrowing and hopeful. It's a love letter to the people who saw past my behaviour and into my potential. The fact that their impact has now been recognised on the world stage? That's everything.' Background Produced by Nosco Films and brought to life by award-winning director Susanna Wright, Re-Story Your Life combines intimate voiceover with striking visuals and archival footage to trace Jaz's journey from a childhood of violence and neglect to becoming a voice for hope and belonging. The film poses a question that echoes long after its final frame: What if one teacher had the power to save your life? The documentary is now being screened at major UK education and leadership events, with private viewings available for trusts, schools, and corporate organisations focused on inclusion and wellbeing. What Next? The Cannes win comes just ahead of the release of Jaz's new book Because of You, This Is Me, launching this month with the UK leg of her book tour at the Inspiring Leadership Conference (12 June) and the Festival of Education (4 July), where her award-winning short film will also be screened. In July, Jaz will be awarded two honorary doctorates — from Hull University (15 July) and Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln (30 July) — in recognition of her outstanding contribution to public life and education. She will also debut her first stand-up comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (20 August) as part of The Glitter Challenge, raising funds in honour of the late writer Jo Fletcher Cross. Book Launch:Jaz Ampaw-Farr's debut book Because of You, This Is Me is now available. It will be featured at major education conferences this summer, including the Inspiring Leadership Conference (12 June) and the Festival of Education (4 July), where it will be accompanied by live keynote talks and screenings of the short film Re-Story Your Life. The book is a tribute to the teachers who helped reframe her life story and serves as a rallying cry for those working in education, leadership, and care-experienced communities. Media Availability:Jaz is available for national and international interviews, panel discussions, and guest features across TV, radio, podcasts, and digital media. Key topics include resilience, trauma-informed education, leadership culture, and the power of everyday heroes in shaping lives. Her delivery blends storytelling with humour and hard-won wisdom — ideal for features on BBC Breakfast, The One Show, Woman's Hour, and mainstream press outlets. Upcoming Recognition:In recognition of her contribution to public life and education, Jaz will be awarded two honorary doctorates in July 2025: 15 July – University of Hull 30 July – Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln Company Background - Be Human First LtdBe Human First Ltd is a leadership consultancy co-founded by Jaz Ampaw-Farr and her husband, predictive leadership coach Ed Ampaw-Farr. The company works with schools, public sector organisations, and global brands to build cultures of belonging, agency, and human-first leadership. Through keynotes, coaching, and The Human First Academy, the team equips individuals and organisations to lead with empathy, courage, and impact. Learn more at About Jaz Ampaw-FarrJaz Ampaw-Farr is a multi-award-winning international keynote speaker, author, and former literacy advisor to government. A care-experienced child turned TEDx sensation, her work champions ambitious resilience, belonging, and the power of human-first leadership. Her TEDx talk The Power of Everyday Heroes has inspired millions globally, and she has delivered over 3,000 keynotes across the education, health, and corporate sectors. Through her book, film, and global speaking work, Jaz invites others to re-story their lives and become the hero in someone else's. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: Media Contact: Jaz Ampaw-Farr jaz@ 07941 533740 17 Garwood Crescent Milton Keynes MK8 0PG GB
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Honouring motherhood: celebrating the many faces of motherhood this Mother's Day
Salome and Rosie will be celebrating Mothers Day together with their son Image: Supplied As Mother's Day approaches, women across the country are reflecting on the love, resilience, and quiet power that defined motherhood. Whether it's a first celebration, or a day to honour those who shaped them, their stories remind us that being a mother is about so much more than biology — it's a bond, a duty, a deep act of care. Songstress Salome Damons-Johansen is dedicating her upcoming show, This Is Me, at GrandWest on the eve of Mother's Day, to 'all women and mommies' — a tribute to the many forms that motherhood takes. Salome said she and Rosie have been raising her son since he was nine months old. 'He's my sister's boy, but he is my son,' she said. 'My sister made me an aunt and a mother.' She said she owes who she is to her own mother. 'My mother came from an abusive home, but she made sure to raise five strong women who understood how important it is to stand by one another.' She added that her close bond with her sisters is thanks to their upbringing. 'I remember calling my eldest sister, Sophie, with my son in my arms, asking what to do in certain situations. My best friend Berenice always offered guidance without fail, and then there is Rosie — she's been amazing from the very beginning. She always makes me feel so special as a mother. I think she sometimes forgets she's also a mom.' Amy Jones and her son Asher Image: Supplied Salome shared that for her, the word 'mother' goes beyond biology. 'It's a network of women. Whether you're a mother to your sister's children, your neighbour's, or your cousin's — you are a mother. I am well aware that it's not just women who give birth who are mothers.' She said her one wish this Mother's Day would be for real action behind the phrase 'your child is my child.' As for her own celebration, she's hoping for a relaxed day. 'All I want is a chilled day with Rosie and my son. Or maybe even a long drive.' Singer Amy Jones, who recently welcomed her baby boy, Asher, will be celebrating her first Mother's Day this year. 'I feel truly blessed,' she said. 'Every morning I thank God for allowing me this blessing, to experience what motherhood is like. And for choosing me to be Asher's mum. Being a mother reminds me daily of how God loves us — freely and unconditionally.' Amy said she is enjoying motherhood deeply. 'You simply show up every day and give your best. Seeing his smile and hearing him laugh makes my heart melt.' When asked what the word 'mother' means to her, she said, 'It's the heart of unconditional love — a soul who gives without expecting anything in return.' Radio Presenter Jamie-Lee Domburg with her mom and son Image: Supplied If granted one wish this Mother's Day, Amy said it would be to take her whole family on a holiday. 'I'd love to travel to Bali or the Maldives so my little boy can experience it too — even though he's still small,' she said with a smile. 'I'm also really looking forward to the spoils — and just spending time with my family.' Radio presenter Jamie-Lee Domburg spoke lovingly about her mom, Patricia, who remains her greatest source of strength. 'She is my anchor, my strength, my village,' Jamie-Lee said. 'Through every season — especially the hardest ones — she's stood by me with unwavering faith, always cheering me on. Her love has held me together more times than I can count.' She said the word 'mother' means nurturer, protector, and unshakable love. 'It's not just a title — it's a calling. My mom has lived that calling with grace, compassion, and quiet courage. She's my safe place, my biggest cheerleader, and the one who reminds me who I am when the world feels too heavy.' Monique Rockman and her son Image: Supplied Jamie-Lee said her mother is also a phenomenal grandmother. 'My son absolutely adores her. Watching them together is a daily reminder of the legacy of love she's built across generations.' She added that if her mom could have one wish this Mother's Day, it would be for peace and strength for her and her son, Luca. 'She expects nothing — but deserves everything.' Actress Monique Rockman said that while distance prevents her from spending the day with her mother and mother-in-law, she is looking forward to being with her immediate family. 'If I could, I'd love to spend Mother's Day with both of them, but we live in different provinces, so it's not possible this year,' she said. 'I'm looking forward to going to church on Sunday, and then my boys are spoiling me by taking me out to lunch. Just being with them is enough for me.'
Jordan News
24-04-2025
- General
- Jordan News
Ministry of Education: 7.4% of Children with Disabilities Integrated into Schools - Jordan News
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education for Educational Affairs, Nawwaf Al-Ajarmeh, confirmed on Thursday that the Ten-Year Inclusive Education Strategy (2020–2030) has successfully integrated 7.4% of school-aged children with disabilities into mainstream schools. اضافة اعلان Al-Ajarmeh added that the Ministry is committed to promoting social justice and safeguarding the right to education for all segments of society. He stated, 'The Ministry gives special attention to children with disabilities and works to integrate them into the educational process alongside their peers without disabilities.' Speaking at an inclusive education event organized by the Directorate of Education for the Deir Alla District under the title 'This Is Me,' dedicated to students with disabilities, Al-Ajarmeh noted that Jordan has made significant progress in educational inclusion. He pointed out that the strategy began with an inclusion rate of 1.7% and reached 7.4% by 2025, with the Ministry aiming to raise this figure to 10% by the year 2030. For his part, the Director of Education for the Deir Alla District, Mazhar Al-Rahameh, affirmed that this celebration coincides with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's observance of Flag Day and other national occasions. He noted that the 'This Is Me' event is a practical reflection of the Ministry's plans and strategies to achieve the targeted percentage of inclusion outlined in the 2030 strategy. The event featured a variety of performances and activities by students with disabilities, showcasing the principles of inclusion and diversity in education.
Jordan Times
23-04-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Bunayat Centre for Special Education celebrates 50th anniversary
The Bunayat Centre for Special Education (BCSE) celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding last week at a ceremony held under the patronage of Their Royal Highnesses Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan (Photo courtesy of HRH Prince Hassan's office) AMMAN — The Bunayat Centre for Special Education (BCSE) celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding last week at a ceremony held under the patronage of Their Royal Highnesses Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan. At the anniversary ceremony, students performed a song, 'This Is Me', for the audience and showcased an exhibit of their handiwork. Princess Sarvath then paid tribute to past and present trustees as well as the many friends and supporters of the BCSE over the years, according to a statement for Prince Hassan's office. The centre opened in 1974 and moved in 1981 to its current, purpose-built facility in Al Bunayat, in Amman's south. His Majesty the late King Hussein bin Talal inaugurated the centre that same year to coincide with the UN International Year of Disabled Persons. The centre is a non-profit NGO under the umbrella of the Young Muslim Women's Association (YMWA), with the majority of its students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Today, the centre has 55 'skilled' teachers, and 194 students enrolled in its kindergarten, school, vocational, and autism departments. The centre has a 1:8 teacher-student ratio, and in many cases provides one-on-one teaching as needed. The BCSE has graduated some 1,360 pupils since its opening, and is regarded as a pioneer in special education in Jordan and across the Middle East, sharing its expertise with counterparts in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Demi Lovato Broke Out Her 'Camp Rock Knees' At Disneyland, And The Fans And I Think 'She Won The Internet'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Celebrities love visiting Disneyland Resort as much as the rest of us, but when that celebrity is also a former Disney star, it's like the stars have aligned to give us something great. Such was the case when Demi Lovato recently visited the Happiest Place on Earth and brought her 'Camp Rock Knees' with her. If you've seen the Disney Channel movie Camp Rock once or a hundred times, you need no explanation. (If you haven't, get a Disney+ subscription and watch both it and its superior sequel immediately.) Demi Lovato's knees have become famous due to the TV feature, at least on the internet, and on a recent trip to Disneyland that she posted to TikTok she broke out the performative knees and the film's song 'This is Me' in various spots across the resort. Check it out. Needless to say, fans are here for this one. As a fan of the Camp Rock movies and of Disneyland, this is the best thing I've seen on the internet in quite some time. It's fun and funny, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. The replies to Lovato's video are full of comments loving this, and they're not just from fans but from other stars and major organizations. She did it. She won the internet. 👑 - GRAMMY Museum we cannot thank you enough for this Spotify Forreal - Olivia Rodrigo exactly what we KNEEded - matthewscottm I wanna go to Disknee Land 😩💖 - Vinny Thomas If you're not familiar with this iconic dance move, check out the performance of "This Is Me" from Camp Rock, and watch her pull the same move early in the song. While I love everything about this video, eagle-eyed fans might have noticed one particularly interesting shot that makes the whole thing even better. If you pay attention to the video, you'll notice one of the spots where Demi Lovato breaks out the knee bends is while she's walking along the track of Radiator Springs Racers, one of the best rides at Disney California Adventure. It turns out the ride briefly broke down while she was on it, requiring Lovato and her friend Ally Pettitti, who posted to TikTok, to be evacuated. It's one thing to break out the 'dis-knees' at Lovato calls them, on Pixar Pier, it's quite another to be able to do it in a place that most people don't. As a Disney celebrity, Demi Lovato probably gets special opportunities to see things most guests don't, but it's sort of hilarious that in this case, it happened because something broke down. Many Disney Channel stars have distanced themselves from the Mouse House after moving on in their careers and Lovato has some very justifiable reasons if she chose to do the same. As a fan, it's great to see her still embracing her Camp Rock youth, which so many clearly love.
