We are delighted to announce a Vision Fund grant of £18,020 to the RECLAIM Project.
RECLAIM is an award-winning youth leadership and social change organisation – a small but bold charity, using their experience and platform to support and enable the voices of young people to be heard.
The Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund grant supports delivery of the LEAD Pioneers Programme in the Afan Valley. LEAD brings together groups of 30-40 young people aged 12 – 13, all from the same community, with boys and girls working in separate groups. All sessions are structured around Leadership, Enterprise, Activism and Development (LEAD).
Over the 8-month programme, young people build skills and networks, developing strong relationships with local mentors and role models. The programme begins with a week-long conference, and the development of a ‘manifesto’ – a declaration developed by young people themselves. The Afan girls group (working with others from Port Talbot) have developed this powerful manifesto:
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Young people to have a voice and lead change
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Support local businesses to give them a fair chance
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Use our empty businesses to help the poor
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Give girls opportunities to be seen and heard
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Work as one to reclaim our area
The work then continues with regular events, visits and mentoring sessions – with all activities delivered outside of school time and based within the community. Skills developed by participants include resilience, communication, confidence and pride, critical thinking and leadership.
“It’s fantastic to see young people stepping up as future leaders in their community and developing skills that will help them throughout their lives – whatever they choose to do” said Barbara Anglezarke, Executive Director of the Community Fund. “We are always pleased to receive applications focussed on young people – the future of our communities depends on them.”
