VOX CLEARTONE transmitters and receivers were used at a recent special event for ‘looked after’ children at Salisbury Cathedral.
The radio-based, audio-guiding equipment, normally used by tourists as they climb the spire on a Tower Tour was used to provide simultaneous translations in Sudanese Arabic and Kurdish Sorani during an inspirational talk by poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay MBE to a specially invited audience of around 80 people, including 28 young people aged 13 – 19 who are in care.
During a moving presentation, Lemn shared his experiences as a foster child, telling the story of his Ethiopian birth mother and his 16-year-long search for her, and exploring his feelings of rejection and loneliness while in care.
Director of Learning and Outreach Ariane Crampton, who organised the event said, “The VOX CLEARTONE was a brilliant way to reach youngsters who do not have English as their first language, allowing them to experience the talk first hand. Lemn is an inspirational role model who understands the difficulties they have had in their lives having been through it himself. He brings a wonderful human touch to his talks, encouraging these young people to believe in themselves.
The event formed part of Salisbury Cathedral’s outreach programme which contributes to the local community by volunteering, leading projects for targeted groups and supporting disaster appeal. An active events programme also ensures that there are opportunities for visitors to engage with the Cathedral on-site.
