Write-On: Project Twist-It

Project Twist-It founder, Mary O'Hara, talks about the stigma of poverty and its impact on young people. Shattering the myths of parents who don't care, Mighty Writers' Tim Whittaker talks about the popularity of his Philadelphia literacy program and parents who care 'dramatically'. And we hear the incredible, inspirational story of Richard 'Tre' Jenkins, who grew up in poverty. In his life, moving to yet another motel or shelter wasn't news, but one with a TV was a big deal. After years moving around, Tre found Mighty Writers where his love of writing blossomed. Tre mentored other students at Mighty Writers and has now achieved his lifelong dream – he achieved a full scholarship to Harvard in 2018.

The kids from Mighty Writers in Philadelphia talk with Mary O'Hara about the powerful impact the program has had on them – building their confidence and self-esteem, not just their writing skills. At this daily after-school program, kids cover all types of literacy and writing – drawing on their own experiences to look at the issues they face in their communities. Today, they are working on banners to take to a Black Lives Matter event.

Project Twist-It – www.projecttwistit.com – teamed up with the award-winning podcast production company, Little Everywhere, in Los Angeles to take a look at the important links between poverty, literacy and storytelling. Talking to youngsters, educators and experts our unique 3-part podcast, Write-On, explores the vital role storytelling has in the lives of young people from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds and in encouraging self-expression. We all have our own stories. With music from film composer, Jessica Rae-Huber and a focus on the Pennsylvania-based Mighty Writers, this is an opportunity for all of us to understand the power and significance of our own stories – and our voices. Project Twist-It is a multi-platform storytelling initiative founded by someone who grew up in poverty. With the help of artists and writers inspired by the issue, it is a hub for telling stories that haven't been told and hearing voices not usually heard. Our aim is to reflect the real, lived experience of people in poverty. We want to use the power of storytelling to change our collective understanding of what it means to experience it. We think that people with lived experience should do the talking, rather than being talked about. www.projecttwistit.com