Youth Summit to be held in Bradford
A cross-section of young people from secondary schools in the Bradford area have been invited to come together today (31 January) for the area's first Youth Summit. Attended by over 250 Year 11 pupils, the Summit is being held to gain an understanding of how Bradford is perceived by its young people. The participants will help to identify the key priorities which young people's organisations should focus on, and make suggestions about how different communities can work together.
The event is being organised by the Bradford Youth Development Partnership, Bradford Council, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Education Bradford and will be hosted by Radio 1 DJ, Spoony.
The young people taking part in the Summit have shaped the agenda themselves. The areas they will explore cover a wide range of issues, including bullying, drugs, gangs and racism.
Bana Gora, Joseph Rowntree Foundation Bradford Manager, said, “Proper consultation with young people should be at the heart of any policies or service provision affecting them. This Summit aims to ensure that their opinions and voices are valued and not overlooked. In line with the JRF mission to search, demonstrate and influence, we are seeking out the voices of young people in Bradford to influence relevant policies and services. Many organisations in Bradford are already committed to the principles of the Summit and are getting involved."
Salima Hafejee, Bradford Youth Development Partnership Director, said, “Bradford's young people have a lot to say but their voices are not always heard. Over 500 young people have already contributed to the Summit by choosing the four key themes of the day. The young people attending will debate the four issues and propose local solutions and practical tactics to build a more cohesive and safer community for them to live in."
The Summit will consist of a combination of interactive workshops, theatre production and debate, video diaries and keynote speakers.
Bana Gora added, “The JRF is committed to a ten-year programme of engagement in Bradford. Our aim is to make a positive difference to the people of Bradford by funding research into the challenges facing the city; investing in the development of services; and working with others to ensure that Bradford's assets are maximised."
