Heard and Not Seen: The Barnardo's Podcast

We believe that every child should have a voice. In each episode, we talk to inspiring children and young people who have faced unimaginable challenges and have incredible journeys to tell us about, as well as the project workers, front line staff and experts involved in their lives.

Our pilot season is developed and recorded in conjunction with the National FGM Centre, a partnership of Barnardo's and the Local Government Authority. We explore female genital mutilation, Kindoki (a form of witchcraft), and the stigma attached to albinism, through interviews with inspiring survivors. Mardoche, Mama Sylla and Demi talk openly about the painful, difficult and life threatening situations they were placed in and how they had the strength within themselves, as well as the support of Barnardo's, to heal.

Episode 1: FGM with guest Mama Sylla

Mama Sylla is a woman who, aged just 9 years old, became a victim of Female Genital Mutilation - FGM for short. To her, this was normal. It was such an accepted rite of passage in her community, that she had no reason to question it. It was only years later, during a near death experience while pregnant with her unborn child, that she came face to face with the catastrophic health implications FGM can have on girls and women. Galvanised by her experience, she now campaigns to raise awareness of the issue. In conversation with Rohma Ullah, we hear Mama’s journey.

 You can also listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Castbox.

Episode 2: Kindoki (Witchcraft) with Mardoche Yembi

In this episode we talk to Mardoche Yembi, a humanitarian and a survivor of childhood accusations of Witchcraft, or Kindoki. Mardoche is a survivor of witchcraft. After the death of his mother when he was 7, he was sent from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to London, to live with his Aunt and Uncle. What followed was abuse at the hands of his extended family after they started to believe he was a “kindoki child”. Whilst still in primary school, Mardoche survived death threats, emotional abuse and isolation - all while coping with the loss of his mother and the separation from his father and siblings. While his story is challenging to hear at times, it’s also one of hope, forgiveness and incredible strength in the face of some extraordinary circumstances.

 

You can also listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Castbox.

Episode 3: Albinism with guest Demi Adeyemi

We talk to Demilade Adeyemi, a young woman with albinism. Originally from Nigeria, Demi moved to the UK when she was 11 after experiencing abuse and threats in her home country of Nigeria. Now a published author studying law at LSE, Demi talks to us about abuse linked to the superstition that people with albinism hold magical powers, the changes she’s seen in attitudes towards people with albinism, and its widespread link with witchcraft.  

Her inspiring story is one of challenge, reflection, growth and optimism. Demi’s novel, No Country for Cold Men, a dystopian fantasy novel about a young boy with albinism living in a dangerous Pan-Africa, can be found at Waterstone’s and Amazon.

You can also listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Castbox.

If you've been affected by the issues discussed in these episodes, further resources and help are available:

If children and young people are worried about or have experienced FGM, Childline has advice on FGM, including how to get help and fears about speaking up. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and confidential. Children can also contact Childline online.

The NSPCC also has a dedicated FGM helpline and resource page, and the National FGM Centre has resources for anyone concerned about the welfare of a child or young person in relation to FGM, kindoki or abuse linked to albinism, or any other child abuse linked to faith or belief.

If anyone is in immediate danger, please call 999.