| The Challenge
Inner-city youth of today are more challenged about
their values, identity and future than ever before. Their struggle
for identity is compounded by the complexities of living in communities
of diverse, language, race and ethnicity.
Statistics show that more than fifty percent of young people,
in disadvantaged communities, come from single parent families,
leave school with no qualifications, are involved in taking drugs
and have no prospect of gainful employment. The Inner-city youth
of today have built around them "walls of silence" against
the voices of authority that they believe have judged and condemned
them.
Our challenge is to open the channels of communication, change
their perceptions and help them fulfil their potential. |
|
A Contemporary
Response
Our centre is based in Hoxton (second highest crime
rate in London), half a mile from the City of London. We specifically
target the "hard to reach" youth between the ages of
11 and 25. The Club is a home from home for many of the members,
providing them with a range of activities and opportunities unparalleled
by any other club in London.
There is no "one solution fits all" to the impact on
young lives that have been brought up in a community that has
profoundly failed them. For many it is a lengthy process of social
re-engagement, building self-esteem and one to one mentoring.
CJ's is ideally placed to provide this long- term support. Our
philosophy is to address core issues facing inner-city youth rather
than responding to symptoms. CJ's is committed to being a force
for transformational change in the lives of disadvantaged young
people living in inner-city communities. |
Triple-E Strategy embraces:
Entertainment - Provide a safe and
welcoming environment where members can relax, play games, listen
to music and chat to our staff.
Education - Provide learning opportunities
(particularly IT based) that encourage members to continue, or
return to fulltime education / skills training.
Enterprise - Build social enterprises
where members can gain first-hand work experience, earn money
and generate revenue to fund Club activities. |
|
The Future
In 2008: Deliver the "CJ's Model" to
other organisations in inner-city areas
In 2008: Become a centre of excellence for Youth
Mentoring with 20 mentors and 20 mentees working in partnership
with C.O.A.C.H and Catalyst. Alongside mentoring through the REAL
DEAL minister to all the Colleges and Secondary Schools in Islington,
Hackney and the City.
In 2008: Expand the work we do with the under
11’s (FOOTSTEPS) from 20 to 100 working with the local community,
local primary schools and CJ’s City Multi-Cultural Church.
In 2008: Re-Open CJ’S SESSION and BASHMENTS
to raise our profile.
In 2008: Develop and Deliver ADDING VALUE a
Ministry to fully engage young offenders and their families.
In 2010: Turn our current DANCE GROUP into a
Dance and Arts Academy working with St Mary’s Youth Club.
In 2010: BUILD A PURPOSE DESIGNED centre to
meet the needs of 1000 + young people.
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