Didn’t know whether I should laugh, cry or just be amazed at this new initiative….
Heard on the radio about the elders from London's Congolese community in North London who have
begun a scheme to teach teenagers about Sir Henry Morton Stanley as a way to prevent anti social behaviour in their community. He was one of the Victorian age's greatest adventurers, found David Livingstone, (Dr Livingstone I presume!) and helped to open up the Congo basin. The scheme hopes to give children with Congolese backgrounds a sense of identity and stop them getting involved in gangs.
What I find brilliant about this is:
1. How the Elders are stepping towards the youngsters in their community and in doing so, telling them, “We care. We are here to help.”
2. The way they have linked youngsters problems with a loss of identity;
3. Their creative endeavour to use a uniquely Congoloese and British connection to also ‘reconnect’ their young people more closely with British society and values.
It s a billiant idea and a great way in to resolve a complex social issue where inspiration can play and important and often forgotten part.
For more on inspiration and the part it has to play in the design of programmes to promote health and social justice for young people go to this article.
Watch this blog for more on the part young people can play in resolving gun and knife crime.
