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Youths interviewed on the Torriano estate Dominic Peet, Arron Meah, Danielle Hill, Josh Heath, Jazmine Rainbow and campaigner Alan Walter. |
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Tell us what you want and make your voice heard
We help launch unique opportunity for youths to speak out
TEENAGERS in Kentish Town yesterday (Wednesday) began their ‘Book of Grievances’.
Open to all, young people are writing down their feelings about life in Camden.
Their views demonstrate what Camden’s youth think is wrong with growing up in the borough and what must be done to make it better.
The book’s launch – supported by the New Journal – coincided with the one-year anniversary of the murder of Tommy Winston, 18. His parents Dee Roberts and his father Phil Winston made the heart-aching journey to the spot in Brecknock Road, Kentish Town, where their son was stabbed.
Ms Roberts said: “I don’t have the words. The words are on the card.” The message she left at the roadside close to where Tommy died said: “My Tommy. Can’t believe a year has passed since I saw your beautiful face. I love you so much. My heart is broken. Everything is nothing without you. I was so proud to be your Mum.”
The tragedy of Tommy’s death was underlined by the conviction of Ty Anderson, his childhood friend, for his murder. Tommy was stabbed after a fight broke out between the two friends.
Ever since youngsters and community activists have discussed how they can channel their anger and frustration into a positive force, coming up with the Book of Grievances.
The Peckwater Tenants Association, the Caversham Neighbourhood Partnership and the Kentish Town Community Centre are backing the initiative. It is the first time Camden’s young people have had the chance to say what they really think and to explain where they think changes must be made.
Alan Walter, chairman of the Peckwater Tenants Association, said: “We are determined to make sure that the needs of our young people are taken seriously. There are no guarantees but we have forced politicians to make concessions in the past and if this book gets mass support we can secure our kids the future they deserve.”
The New Journal today (Thursday) offers its support by acting as a conduit for youths to make thoughts known. Other teenagers will get involved by texting their thoughts or posting messages online. The book has two questions: What is wrong with life in Camden? How can it be improved?
It is open to all young people in Camden and is aimed to send the clearest possible message to politicians. It will eventually be collated and presented to them so that they cannot ignore what it says.
The first contributions yesterday (Wednesday) drew suggestions for more youth clubs, a dirt track to ride motor bikes and more apprenticeship opportunities.
Joe Aboagye, 19, of Kenbrook House in Leighton Road was happy to get the ball rolling.
He said: “There’s nothing for the under-18s to do. There should be a youth club. They should keep the youth occupied instead of hanging in flats doing nothing. They should be actually doing something and bonding, something that keep’s them off the street.”
Joe added: “Since Tommy’s death, people have been more aware and think before they do stuff. It shows your life can be taken very quickly. People have calmed down and started to think for a bit.
“The council are letting the kids down on the youth club side – they all speak about do this, do that but that’s just for the newspapers, nothing ever happens.”
Faud Wage, 22, who also grew up in Kenbrook House, said: “Nothing’s really changed around here, it’s bad for the younger ones growing up now in the estate. Four or five years ago a couple of my friends got Asbo’d. We were hanging around in a big group and the council were watching us and video-ing us. If I could make a change – it’s too late for us – but for the youngsters open a youth club, get more youth workers and take them on trips.”
The term Book of Grievances dates back to the French Revolution but its recent relevance comes from the riots in the Paris suburbs last year. It channelled anger into a positive response and helped generate open discussion for the better.
Josh Heath, 16, a student from Haverstock School who lives in Kentish Town, was among youths joining the project yesterday (Wednesday).
He said: “We need to look to the future. Trips, youth clubs, someone coming around and apprenticeships – for people who don’t got to college or do nothing. Apprenticeships are the better thing because you’re getting paid.”
It is hoped that the project can match the interest that teenagers showed in the mid-1990s when their mass protest campaigned for youth clubs to be saved from being closed down and won additional provision.
Arron Meah, 18, from Torriano estate, began a carpentry apprenticeship but didn’t finish it.
He said: “Anything would be good. Anything to get a steady job. A day at college and four days at work. You could get a dirt track where kids could go scrambling (riding motorbikes) instead of on estates. You need to focus on the younger kids – ten and eleven – keep them out of trouble.”
The Book of Grievances is open to anyone under the age of 21. Please include your age. You do not have to include your name or address but it will add weight to your comments if you do.
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