East London youngsters arranged a brilliant conference hosted at the University of East London’s Stratford campus, aimed at addressing violence in the borough.
By Eric King-
The conference was supported by Youth Movements and the Children in Care Council and attended by professionals, including the Metropolitan Police, some staff from Newham Council
The young organizers used the University Square Stratford building free of charge to host what was a very beneficial occasion. Intelligent youngsters aired their views about the violence in their borough and how they hope to play their role in easing the violence that is wrecking the lives of young people in east London.
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Youths across London have for years been plagued with a culture of violence that has cost the lives of many young teenagers in the capital. Knife and gun violence has become a dangerous lifestyle for many youths, including those who want to live a life without violence.
Young people at the conference spoke of the fears that force even good youngsters to carry knives as a form of protection. Peer pressure and the implications of association was also one of the influencing factors leading many ambitious youths down the wrong path.
The creation of more youth clubs and educational groups outside of institutions, particularly in the summer period was one of the positive things youths would like to happen in many boroughs.
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Gail May, director of civic engagement at UEL, said:
“The young people, supported by proactive staff at Youth Movements, created an innovative programme through which young people have been engaged in developing solutions alongside a range of professionals.
“This aligns with the approach we take at UEL to civic engagement: our students working in partnership with communities and professionals to respond innovatively and creatively to challenges.
“We look forward to continuing to support the development of the great ideas we have seen put forward.”
Following the conference, the university’s chair of governors Geoff Thompson vowed to continue to support young people find solutions to their concerns about crime and safety in Newham. He said that UEL is committed to working collaboratively with members of the community.
He said:
“I was delighted that UEL was approached to host this event, as the conference places young people at the centre of the exploration of the issues and in the proposing of solutions.
“We have heard from young people about the challenges they face and, more importantly, about what could be done to address these challenges.
Mr Thompson, an executive chair of the Youth Charter charity, added: “I have spent 25 years developing and delivering collaborative solutions internationally and through the establishment of a “community campus” model in Greater Manchester.
“Today I am committing some of UEL’s resources to developing a “community campus” for east London to respond to the challenge laid down today by the young people.
In the midst of some of the mindless crimes affecting young people in Newham, it is encouraging to know that there are many positive and good youths around.
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