AMANI means 'Peace' in Swahili and 'Aspiration' in Arabic
Based on the true story of Amani Simpson, AMANI is the short film with a great cast, including Joivan Wade (The First Purge, Shiro's Story & Doom Patrol) and guest starring Chris Preddie OBE. The film depicts the inner reflections of a young man battling with the consequences of his actions and wider impact on those around him after being stabbed seven times.
Our Empowerment Workshops
AMANI is a conversation starter and explores themes that unfortunately many young people are far too familiar with. We provide a safe, interactive environment for young people to positively explore themes using discussion and self-reflection exercises. Our workshop leaders and guest speakers include professionals, actors from the film and those with lived experience of the topics we cover.
Find out more by using the 'More Info' link in the top right-hand corner or email us via the box below.
AMANI is a conversation starter and explores themes that unfortunately many young people are far too familiar with. Aviard Inspires facilitators provide a safe, interactive environment for young people to positively explore themes shown in the AMANI short film. By having open and frank conversations about the consequences of negative lifestyle choices, while also empowering aspirational thoughts, we believe this will lead to early interventions, changed mindsets and opportunities to signpost students to positive support networks & role models.
Based on the true story of our founder Amani Simpson, AMANI is the short film with a great cast including as Joivan Wade (The First Purge, Shiro’s Story & Deep It) and guest starring Chris Preddie OBE and ex-superintendent Leroy Logan MBE – the film depicts the inner reflections of a young man battling with the consequences of his actions and wider impact on those around him after being stabbed seven times. It has now been watched by over 2 MILLION times and continues to impact lives and inspire change across the world.
"Amani is a compelling communicator.. He comes through time after time with really motivating wisdom.. a warm model of excellence and just a great guy” – Lord Michael Hastings CBE
Our film and interventions include the following themes:
- Improving Self-esteem & Resilience
- Peer Pressure and Bullying
- Raising Aspirations and Goal Setting
- Choices and Consequences
- Positive and Negative Influences/Relationships
- Stopping Bad Habits and Creating New Ones
- Critical Thinking
Who?
Our assemblies will explore hard-hitting topics but are also suitable for the whole year group. Our interventions are aimed at juniors (Years 5 & 6 only) and secondary school children (KS3 & KS4) who are disengaged or not reaching their full potential; who with additional support could be more focused.
We also offer Inset Day, Senior Leaders and Adult Awareness Workshops
Where?
Schools/Alternative Provisions (APs)/Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)/Colleges/Universities and Events in London or surrounding areas.
(Event bookings outside of London will incur additional travel costs).
Why?
The rise in exclusions from school has been linked to the nationwide increase of serious youth violence. We want to disrupt the school to prison pipeline by offering early interventions and positive role models into the education system. Our aim is to empower each student to adopt a growth mindset approach to life and make better decisions each day.
The programme is offered by Aviard Inspires CIC, founded by Amani Simpson in 2015. Aviard is a social enterprise that empowers young people through personal development, enterprise and media.
AMANI will engage students in a programme that will enable them to not only reflect on their behaviour but incorporate mindfulness while doing so. Being in the moment at that moment will teach students to be responsible and aware of their thoughts, feelings and sensations they experience.
We aim to assist staff with the following areas:
- Better Engagement With Students
- Enrichment Activities
- Raising Awareness Of The Causes & Outcomes Of Negative Choices
- Unlocking Potential and Engagement Of Students
- Reinforcing Key Messages
- Showcasing Positive Role Models
- Helping To Identify Key Areas For Holistic Support
Having a personal connection to the motif we feel we can bring relatable messages and hope to young people who may be facing one or more of the themes we will address in the programme.
We offer:
- Motivational Assemblies
- Event Talks
- Film Screenings
- Half or Full Day Workshops
- 2.5 Hour Goal-setting Workshop
- Inset Day/Senior Leaders/Adult Awareness Workshops
- 6 Week Empowerment Programme
Programme feedback
“Thank you for showing me that no matter what I can be whoever I want to be and to take every opportunity I am given. I hope you can keep doing what you’re doing and continue to inspire others like me” – Year 9 student Huddersfield School
“I was sat in the assembly crying as your story was so inspirational...So I just want to thank you not only from me but from my whole year group” – Year 10 student
“When I have children, this film is going to be the first meaningful thing I show them, and hope that many others will do the same” – YouTube comment
“All teaching staff and I were really impressed with the way Amani balanced his message (quite a scary one for Year 5/6) with humour yet keeping the underlying message strong...” – Jackie May, Inclusion Leader, SENCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Churchfield Primary School
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for sharing your story with me and listening to mine afterwards. You’re really such an inspiration and I’ll never forget your story and your journey of self-growth. I plan to make a big difference in the world!” – Instagram message after NCS (National Citizens Service) youth event talk
Interested in booking? Please complete the form below
