CitySafe is an initiative pioneered by young people in the London borough of Newham who give up their time to make their streets a safer place to be. As we all know, teenage knife and gun crime is - tragically - a major issue in cities across the UK, and this group of volunteers are passionate about changing public perceptions about young people by creating a more positive image and acting to implement change off their own bats.
The night's talent show was organised, produced and put on entirely by young volunteers. The project was led by Paul Amuzie, a 19-year-old gap year student with a drive to make a difference to his local community. His team of stewards, door staff, runners and technicians was made up of young people with no prior experience of putting on a show or managing an event but were so professional we're considering hiring them for our festival!
14-year-old Hollie Nwofor, stage manager, said: "I've learnt so much from this project - not only have we put in place practical ways of keeping kids safe on the streets, but I also now know how to lead a team backstage, communicate with everyone and keep people happy. I've had so much fun and I'm proud of what I've achieved."
The show, MC'd by up-and-coming local comedians Ashley J and Tee Jay, opened with dance troupe Oblivion, and the talent ranged from Alvin and Dilemma performing their own spoken word pieces, to Nicole, Daniel and 10-year-old Georgina stunning us with their singing, to Demver's classical violin and winning dance group Visions' contemporary performance piece.
A series of volunteers' stories interspersed the acts on the night - 18-year-old Sanyo Aidam is a shining example of how volunteering can open doors and present opportunities he may otherwise only have dreamed of. A coupld of years ago, as Senyo was struggling to work out who he was, and what he was really about, he discivered a thirst to do more, and to make himself stand out. Through volunteering with London Citizens, Senyo has, in his own words, "been able to explore a world which is more than my own.
A series of volunteers' stories interspersed the acts on the night - 18-year-old Sanyo Aidam is a shining example of how volunteering can open doors and present opportunities he may otherwise only have dreamed of. A coupld of years ago, as Senyo was struggling to work out who he was, and what he was really about, he discivered a thirst to do more, and to make himself stand out. Through volunteering with London Citizens, Senyo has, in his own words, "been able to explore a world which is more than my own.
"I have been given and earned many opportunities - I have chaired meetings with some of the most powerful politicians and bankers in the country, I have spoken in front of 2500 people, I presented the CitySafe campaign on the BBC News.
"But the most important thing is that, through volunteering, I have been able to meet new people and broaden my horizons. I have been at the helm of development, just by giving up my time."
In an interview with vinspired Lake of Stars after the talent show, Senyo revealed that his mission is "to inspire young people - volunteering is a must. It is fun, and it has developed me as a person.
"We, as young people, can implement change by volunteering our services and pooling our skills"
To see more photos from the night, visit the vinspired Lake of Stars photostream on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/30741683@N06/
If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com
Words by: Rosie Ponting, volunteer
Photos by: Steve McInerney, volunteer mentor
