YOUNG CHAMPIONS
Mediabox Young Champions acted as ambassadors, promoting the work of Mediabox across the country by engaging local press, blogging, networking and visiting youth organisations and ensuring young people have a voice.
Here are some of our Young Champions stories…
Rose Morgan
Hi I'm Rose Morgan, I’m in my first year of university studying youth and community work. In the past year I've been helping organisations and community leaders to understand how to attract and maintain the interests of young people. I really enjoy speaking out for young people and making sure their thoughts and feelings are considered in decisions that affect them. I've worked both locally and nationally and I have recently given my input to government Ministers such as Andy Burnham and Dawn Butler.
I really enjoy being a Young Champion for Mediabox, it helps me to understand the issues that young people face in other areas, and gives me the opportunity to make positive changes. I think Mediabox helps a lot in tackling the negative image some people have of young people - I can't wait to visit this year's projects and see the impact they have made.
Farhan Ahmed
My name is Farhan Ahmed and I’m 20 years old. I have been part of the Young Advisors social enterprise in Sheffield for about two years now and I am currently studying Law at Uni.
As well as studies and Young Advisors work I am a radio DJ and have my own weekly shows that are broadcasted on Sheffield’s newest radio station, Burngreave Community Radio.
Being a Mediabox young champion is where my experience can be used and expanded and for this reason I am well excited!
Richard Kusi
My name is Richard Kusi, I am 18 years of age and a Southwark Young Advisor. At the moment I am a full time student doing a degree in Business Management at Middlesex University.
I am delighted to be a Mediabox Young Champion because it opens many doors for the youth of today and also encourages us to take charge in the things we do. Mediabox empowers young people to help others realise that there are better opportunities out there, and also pushes us to become positive role models.
Growing up on the largest estate in Europe, where gang culture has become an important issue, has affected my decision making in life. I mean that in a positive way because it has made me realise the important factors in life and that no matter how much the government tries to use money to solve certain problems, it will only work if young people are taking part in the changes being made.
I would like to be seen as someone who helps make changes and makes role young people realise that no dream is too small. I know there are some really talented young people out there and I am here to help Mediabox locate them!
Rachael Salter
My name is Rachael Salter and I’m 19 years old. My interests include animals, films, planning and travelling. I’m a BA Social Policy student at the University of Birmingham, which I enjoy because it allows me to express my views on government policies and formulate my opinions into words.
I have been a Young Advisor for Connexions since January 2007. It has allowed me to talk to, interact with and advise many people about engaging with young people and how to do it better. From this position I went on to become a panel member for the Department for Communities and Local Government and become an active advisor on youth policies.
Since then I have become a Young Champion for Mediabox. Within this role I have been able to gain insight into young people’s issues across the country and how they wish to portray them to the outside world.
Additionally, it also allows me to become a small part in the grant making process. Granting bids for young people has allowed me to feel like I am giving something back to young people, and giving them a chance, which many do not have within their own lives.
Toni-Lea Kirkby
I’m Toni-Lea Kirkby and I’m 17 years old. I love to swim and shop and like any normal teenager I love to go out at weekends and I love the soaps. :) I also work in a clothes shop part time, which I really enjoy.
For the past two years I have worked with young people and helped them to gain a voice and speak up for themselves. Youth work has boosted my knowledge in life a huge deal and I love my job.
I have worked with a lot of disadvantaged young people and it inspires me to see how much a person can change with such little help and advice. I am very proud to be part of Mediabox young champion and I hope I can bring something really positive to the group. Mediabox proves to me that there are still people out there are fighting for the younger generation.
Matt Smith
I'm Matt, 19 and from Liverpool. I'm currently studying Social Enterprise and this September I'm moving on to study Tropical Disease Biology at Liverpool University.
I've been a Young Advisor for over a year now and I reckon empowering young people is the best way to prepare them for the life ahead of them. As a Young Champion I enjoy being a part of the grant making process and always do my best to fund the most innovative, valuable and worthwhile projects. Learning how funding panels work and getting out to see Mediabox projects across the country certainly keeps me more up to date with what's happening in the UK and the new ways that young people are voicing their opinions to make their community a better place.
