feature: Power to the young people
27 June 2008
Hundreds of decisions are made every month by Haringey Council about what schemes should be supported in the borough.
But the council’s Youth Opportunities Fund is a scheme with a difference – it hands decision making over to young people.
The scheme has been running for two years and grants totalling £500,000 have already been allocated.
A range of groups have received funding, including sport, music, dance and film projects. Priority is given to projects from disadvantaged or vulnerable groups of young people in the borough.
Decisions are taken by a panel of young people from a wide range of communities. They are given training and support on making the funding decisions.
Many have gained Duke of Edinburgh and Millennium Volunteer awards as part of their work.
Among the groups to receive grants are:
- The Apartheid Project – a mixed group of predominantly Black African and Caribbean descent young people looking at the politics of separation;
- Fast Forward Film Club – training young people in film-making, production and editing skills;
- Chettle Court Rangers Youth Football Club – attracts over 100 young people from Turkish, Kurdish, Indian, African Caribbean and white communities;
- Dance Like Crazy – a dynamic dance group – of over 25 young people being taught African, Caribbean and street dance styles;
- Making A Difference Everywhere – developing leadership skills.
More than £1 million has been set aside for projects over the next three years.
Cllr Liz Santry, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
“This programme has two important benefits – it gives young people a stronger voice and role in the day-to-day life of the borough, and it also means that many vulnerable groups of young people are given valuable help and support.”
Anyone interested in putting forward a scheme or project to be considered for funding should contact Mike Davis, Haringey PDC, Downhills Park Road,London N17 6AR. Tel 020 8489 5012 or 020 8489 2228 Email: youthopportunities@haringey.gov.uk.
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