Bid to boost local youth relations

Mar 20 2008 by Gemma Castle, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A NEW youth project has been launched in Huddersfield designed to bridge the gap between different communities in Kirklees.

Kirklees Racial Equality Council (KREC) have launched a project called Ahead for Youth, aimed at achieving human rights, equality and diversity within communities across Kirklees.

The team are working on a number of projects, mainly across Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Mirfield.

Darren Coyne, head of research, policy and development of KREC, said: “Our aim is to bring all communities together and educate young people about the diverse cultures in our region – and make people realise that there doesn’t have to be a divide. We can all get along, no matter what colour, creed, race or culture.”

As part of the Ahead for Youth initiative, KREC have been working on an eight week anti-bullying campaign at Birkdale High School in Dewsbury.

The course, which looked into prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes in the community, culminated on March 17, when 12 children from the school took to the stage to highlight these points in the form of urban dance, role plays, and also a lyricist.

Darren explained: “As a youth worker I have always wanted to develop the idea of equality and help schools across Kirklees to promote this. It is a subject that isn’t part of the national curriculum but having said that, I think it remains a vital part in educating youngsters.

“It’s all about understanding the differences between prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes. Once the children fully understand this then we can work towards closing this gap by emphasising equality among us all.”

KREC won a 2007 Children and Young Person’s Services Award in the anti-bullying category.

“It’s a national recognition of the work we do and it is a great honour,” said Darren.

The group have also worked with youth offending teams in Dewsbury in a project called ‘Pathways to Adulthood’, which teaches young offenders legitimate ways to adulthood and helps them find a place in society rather than turning to crime.

The scheme has become so successful they are now taking it to the Youth Offending Team in Huddersfield, due to begin in April.

Darren added: “The projects we have so far undertaken as part of the Ahead for Youth campaign has definitely changed people’s perception of different cultures for the better, and, at the end of the day, that is what myself and my fellow workers at KREC are here to do.

“I just hope we manage to get the funding needed to develop these projects further.”