From October 24 to January 25, Samosa Media delivered a series of bilingual creative workshops to students at St Gabriel’s School in Lambeth. The workshops were led by Samosa Media’s Victor Rios, Film Maker and Actor, and engaged students in both English and Spanish. Natalie Marshall, Samosa Media Education Officer, also participated in the workshops.
These workshops empowered students to harness social media as a force for creativity and self-expression. We are currently in a time when identity, belonging, and mental well-being are increasingly influenced by social media. By providing a safe space, the workshop encouraged students to reflect on social media’s influence and take control of their own narratives. By doing this they can transform a potential challenge into a tool of empowerment for themselves. You can view the film here.
These workshops provided students with a supportive environment to connect with their Latin culture and find their voice. Through the integration of bilingual storytelling, filmmaking and public speaking, students were able to transform personal experiences into impactful stories.
For many students, English is not their first language, and the workshops also provided a safe space for them to share their experiences of integrating into South London. Victor Rios shared his personal experiences of moving to London at a similar age to the students, using acting exercises, improv, and storytelling to create a dynamic and engaging environment. This approach allowed students to unleash their creativity in a fun, after-school setting.
Claudia Lopez-Prieto, St Gabriel’s School EAL Teacher and EAL Raising Achievement Coordinator, commented:
The film and media workshops run by Samosa media and led by filmmaker Victor Rios at Saint Gabriel’s College provided an invaluable experience for our Latin American students. These workshops offered more than just technical skills—they empowered students to find their voices, tell their stories, and celebrate their heritage. For many of these students, either new to the UK or from first-generation British Latino families, the workshops became a platform to navigate their identity and amplify representation often absent in British media.
Through creative storytelling, students explored the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning English as an additional language, and maintaining their Latin American heritage. They shared personal experiences that highlighted both struggles and triumphs, creating a sense of pride and belonging. For students who often feel overlooked in mainstream narratives, this was a chance to showcase the richness of Latin American cultures and their contributions to the community.
Bilingual learning played a vital role in these workshops. Students were encouraged to think and express themselves in both Spanish and English, bridging their cultural worlds while strengthening their language skills. This dual approach not only built confidence but also helped them see their bilingualism as a strength rather than a barrier.
Creative workshops like these are crucial for young people learning English as a second language and marginalised groups. They promote self-expression, build communication skills, and encourage collaboration. It also provided an opportunity to share their unique stories in a way that builds a connection and cultural appreciation in the broader school community.
Victor Rios and Samosa media have not only nurtured creativity but also opened doors for greater representation of Latin American voices, offering students the tools to celebrate their heritage while embracing their futures in the UK.
Samosa Media continues to be a driving force in ensuring that young people, particularly those who often feel unheard, are given the platform and encouragement to thrive in a society that celebrates their individuality, heritage and uplifts them. It also aligns with Samosa Media’s mission to empower marginalised communities, promote pride in one’s heritage and cultivate a sense of belonging in the UK.
Student Feeback and pictures from the workshops are also below.
Feedback from the St Gabriel’s students is also below.
- “Everything and we gave our best in the activities.”
- “Very nice workshop Victor it was phenomenal, and I learnt to be confident.”
- “I liked the experience of acting with another personality.”
- “Helped me not to be shy anymore and to get out of my comfort zone.”
- “It helped me to speak English with more confidence.”
- “I gained new friends.”
- “Emotionally – It created emotion and made me feel safe.”
- “There was motivation from Victor that helped us to play the games and use these skills for life and that was nice.”
- “The type of trust that allowed us to be confident was very nice.”
- “Great Teacher ( Victor)”
- “Doing fun acting drama and improv after school makes me feel better.”
- “Now I am confident with myself and my English has improved.”
This is the fifth consecutive year, supported by The Portal Trust, Samosa Media has been inspiring students at St Gabriel’s with its bilingual film workshops. Previous films by the students can be viewed here.
For further information on these workshops, please email Samosa Media at info@thesamosa.org.uk
