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'Streetz' Project
23rd February 2009, 10:44
Hello all,

I sincerely hope you take the time to read through this post, I am not asking for money from anyone, I just want to spread the word.

I'd like to take a little time to tell you all about a new Youth Project that is launching soon, starting in South Wales and hopefully rolling across the UK.

The background is, about 2 months ago 14 or 15 kids started throwing stones and other items at my house. I went out to confront them and they just continued to throw things.

I called the police to report the trouble but they said they couldn't get anyone to me for about 30 mins, by which time the gang would have no doubt dispersed.

I decided to go and approach the kids and as I did they made a run for it so I gave chase and caught one of them. The first thing he assumed when I caught him was that I was going to hit him. When I didn't actually show any violence towards him but instead asked him why he was doing what he was doing his attitude changed.

I actually stayed and talked with a couple of them about why they hang around the streets and why they do the things they do. After a bit of time I left them and went back to my house. 15 minutes later 5 of the boys came and knocked my door, I thought they were going to start trouble, but to my surprise they all apologised.

They inspired me to sit and think how I can help them. I came up with 'Streetz' a new youth project to encourage kids off the streets and into the 'Streetz'.

What we aim to do is teach these kids to become artistic, I don't mean painting! (although nothing wrong with that at all) I have friends who are club DJ's and they are going to dedicate time to teach these kids how to become a DJ.

We also have MC's signed up, street dance teachers, beatboxers, actors, singing coaches and more, all ready and willing to donate their own time to help these kids and give them a path to follow and introduce some structure to their evenings.

As an incentive to the kids, I have also arranged for them to have Live air time on a local radio station to showcase their new found talents once they are at the level to go live. We are also video documenting their progress for purposes of a TV documentary.

We are also arranging for show downs between dance crews, again, once they are at a competitive level. We are also in the process of arranging other incentives to encourage the kids to work hard at what they choose to do within the 'Streetz' project.

The project will be launching soon with the help of a Press Release and interview with myself and the kids via media wales.

I think the youth of today have been cultivated from a 'leniant' society and the peer pressure I believe is far more intense than when I was their age, 17 years ago!

Deep down these kids are good kids, they just need some structure, guidance but most of all recognition.

If you would like to pledge your verbal support and nothing else then please follow the general enquiries link via our website and give us your name and message of support. Tell us if you have had trouble with gangs of kids and what actions the police take and if they have been effective.

The site is live but under ongoing construction, as we are a voluntary organisation I have had to build the site myself so please go easy on me.

I appreciate any feedback, comments, suggestions, advice etc.

I believe if we all work together we can cultivate a new future for these kids.

ps, I do need some printing done if there are any printers on here who would be willing to do so. I don't expect this for free but as we have not gained any funding as yet, I would really appreciate a open dated invoice allowing us time to get the funds together. If you are willing to do this to help us help get the kids off the streets please PM or email me.

Thank you for time.

Kind Regards

Craig.

Natrey
23rd February 2009, 20:07
That is a heart warming story. I'm glad you have the desire and energy to help these kids!

I have had trouble with kids being bored and causing hassle before and have always gone about it the same way you did...never had one knock on the door to apologise yet though...usually i walk away and get a whole lot of abuse when they are "a safe distance away".

I have a friend who runs a record label for hip hop/rap/R'n'B artists, if any of your kids show a talent for this, PM me and i'll try and set up a meeting with him.

Good Luck!

Nathan

'Streetz' Project
23rd February 2009, 22:14
Hello Nathan,

I really appreciate your offer, this is the type of thing I am hoping for these kids.

If they have something to work towards, for example the potential of recording an album or single for release into the mainstream then that has to fill them with excitement and determination.

Not only that it will also show them that we are serious about helping them.

Thanks again, I will be in touch when the time comes. If this isn't possible when the time comes I totally understand but I really appreciate the support now.

Kind Regards

Craig.