Across Oldham, young people aged eight to 25 have been getting involved at Mahdlo Youth Zone and in their community.
Today, Monday 6 June, is the national Power of Youth day hosted by #iwill and is the perfect time to show how the social action of groups of young people is making a difference, not just in their lives but in communities and organisations in Saddleworth, Shaw and all across the borough.
At Northern Roots, a charity supported by Oldham Council and local businesses based at Alexandra Park, they’re developing an urban farm and eco-park based on residents’ vision from across the borough.
Mahdlo members aged as young as eight have been involved in the planning, design and development of areas of the site, including the new visitor centre, learning centre and location of walking trails. Their vision for the future has meant a plan for the future has been submitted in a planning application; their vision for the future will actually be built for the community to enjoy for many years to come.
Meanwhile, at Mahdlo a group of female members are taking part in Onside’s “Stronger Sisters” project to improve confidence and break down barriers for women in the BAME community.
This year International Women’s Day was focused on “breaking the bias”, and that’s what this group of young people aims to do within their communities.
From skateboarding and rock climbing to canoeing at Droylsden’s Water Adventure Centre, this group of young females have engaged in activities and met groups of young people from similar communities across Manchester.
It’s not just in Oldham that our members are getting involved. A group of Senior Zone members took part in Snow Camp’s Excel programme, including a week-long residential in Italy, developing their leadership and coaching skills and giving them practical training and experience to help them start a career, and not just in the snowsports industry!
And finally, last year we hosted Hope Hack, run by The Hope Collective to bring young people together and explore key issues and give them a voice in the way those issues are addressed.
Senior Zone member Molly was invited to 10 Downing Street to meet government policy makers and discuss these issues that formed part of a report authored by the Damilola Taylor Trust, UK Youth, NCS, 20/20 Change, OnSide, the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and the London VRU.
