Teenagers awarded thousands of pounds to lead social change projects

Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) has started a series of social change projects led by young people to help develop their skills which they can pass onto their community.

Each of these projects was chosen by a panel in the creative industries and each receive £2,000 of funding. 

They will also receive continued support from BAC and advice from other experts to bring to life their ideas for positive social change in their community.

One of the projects, Wisdom Woman by Nabeelah Asgher, 16, from Streatham aims to inspire girls aged 13-18 from low-income households, who feel discouraged by parents and society, to study STEM subjects and go into professional careers. 

Nabeelah said: “I feel excited about my project Wisdom Woman. It will benefit a lot of young girls and give them an opportunity to learn about the different career opportunities available through STEM. This is something I needed at their age so I am proud to be able to create this project for them.”

Project C.U.B.E. I.T. by Mikhi Fearon, 18, from Brixton aims to increase confidence and resilience by getting young people into creative spaces to explore theatre, network and build transferable skills.

Mikhi said: “Theatre has helped me learn how to show different sides of myself – to step out of my comfort zone and go after loads of professional opportunities. With the funding, I’m excited to invite more young people to explore creative options and discover their abilities.”

The Civics Convention by Aliya Ibrahim, 16, educates young people from ethnic majority backgrounds on the political landscape in England in order to utilise their voting rights and pass on that education to their families and community.

Aliya said: “I am grateful for the support I’ve received so far and I’m looking forward to what this can help me achieve.”

Pictured top: L-R Nabeelah, Mikhi and Aliya (Picture: Lilly Husbands)