Young people from South Alexandra Youth Inclusion Project (YIP) were rewarded for their months of hard work on various projects with a celebration evening on Wednesday 30th January at Arc Community Centre.
Throughout the summer and winter months a group of young people aged 10-14 spent their free time channelling issues young people face today into positive activities, and challenging local perceptions of young people through random acts of kindness.
Parents, project workers, and members of Department of Children, Schools, and Families (DCSF) were invited to the evening, and were treated to a musical rap performance, and exclusive showing of a short film about young people’s issues, both of which had been written, directed, and preformed by the young people themselves.
‘The song lyrics and film surround the issues which this group are coming into contact with every day, including, negative role models, alcohol, drugs and not being motivated to work. It’s a way of getting them to acknowledge situations which they may be faced with, and also gets them thinking about the consequences of getting involved in these issues.’ Explains Orla McGinn, Youth Project Worker.
‘Throughout the summer the group also partook in a ‘random acts of kindness’ project which involved doing good deeds in and around the community of Holts and Alt, to raise the profile of young people in the area. These acts included making tea and sandwiches for ladies at bingo, and distributed cakes and flower boxes which they had made to the community.’
‘The presentation evening was to celebrate and showcase the hard work that young people have done, and also provide parents with the opportunity to see the positive impact their children have made to this project.’
The YIP aims to prevent offending in young people by engaging them in a range of positive activities to help them achieve and enjoy, as well as make positive choices for their future. Oldham’s Youth Inclusion Projects are part of Oldham Youth Offending Service, and Positive Steps Oldham.
The MC and DVD Project was part funded by the Community Council
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