Cheltenham Festivals supported Amnesty International in the development of Words That Burn, a national human rights poetry project.  

The teaching resource is freely available on Amnesty International UK’s website.

Check back soon for more information about Words that Burn 2.0.

Year 8 student, Severn Vale School

Year 8 student, Severn Vale School

"It is important because it gives us an idea of the world’s problems and how young voices can be heard all around the world. It doesn’t matter what religion or race you are or what language you speak, everyone has a voice that should be heard."

Keith Jarrett, poet

Keith Jarrett, poet

"I know first-hand the empowering nature of creativity and language, as a writer, performer and educator. Giving young people the tools to express themselves, to connect with the wider world and its challenges, to write in solidarity with those whose voices are suppressed, and to amplify those voices – and find their own – is a vital and beautiful thing."

Year 8 student, Severn Vale School

Year 8 student, Severn Vale School

"It has helped me to understand that the world isn’t perfect and it has given me a way of allowing my imagination and creativity to process this."

Words That Burn was developed in partnership with Amnesty International: