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Editor Abed Hakim outside the On Road magazine’s headquarters |
Mag puts youths on right road
“ENTERTAIN first, educate second,” is the ethos of a new youth magazine.
On Road, written by teenagers at the Fitzrovia Youth In Action youth club in Warren Street, Euston, is a youth magazine with a difference.
Editor Abed Hakim, 25, set out to make something young people will genuinely read.
“It should entercate – entertain and educate,” he said. “We try to educate through entertainment. We’re trying to set the standard for youth magazines.”
On Road is also trying to break down young people’s perceptions of each other. One feature about a group of young Muslim women debating the rights and wrongs of a court case involving a hairdresser from King’s Cross and a Muslim stylist who accused her of religious discrimination is an article Mr Hakim is most proud of.
“A lot of people would assume Muslim people would support the Muslim girl – but at least two girls thought she was wrong to sue the hairdresser,” he said. “It shows that Muslims don’t all think the same, they won’t all have the same opinion and support the Muslim just ‘cos she’s Muslim.”
Mr Hakim says he wants to take on serious issues and not just “flowery” topics.
Around 2,500 copies of On Road’s first edition have been printed and sent to schools, youth clubs and community centres, but the plan is to print double that and distribute across London.
And while the first edition has largely focused on South Camden – where the youth club and its writers are based – Mr Hakim wants everyone to get involved.
He said: “We want people to come in and bother us – we’ll even feed you food if that’s what it takes. If you want to help you’re more than welcome.”
Mr Hakim has already launched his own successful magazine, Inq, and in the past has worked as a Hollywood casting director. Growing up in Drummond Street and having been a former member of the youth club gives him a local advantage.
“We’d like to see ourselves as the cool version of the West End Extra,” he added. |
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