What is your future vision for the SKNDC Youth Board?

Keisha: I think that the youth board should have more of a say in the things that are happening in South Kilburn. We should be consulted on what the NDC money is being spent on and the youth projects in the area should report directly to us.

Michael: I agree with Keisha that we should be more involved in what is happening but I also think that we should be responsible for our own project. I think that over the next year or so we should take responsibility over a project for South Kilburn.

Do you think young people should be consulted more on community issues?

Keisha: Definitely. By not consulting young people on the issues affecting South Kilburn we run the risk of having young people drift away from the community. Young people get the impression that decisions are made behind closed doors as things just happen without us being told about it. Young people need to be involved if we are going to build a new South Kilburn.

Michael: Young people must be in involved in community issues – we live here too.

If you were Prime Minister for the day – what are the two most important issues, (concerning young citizens) you would address?

Keisha & Michael: The two issues we would both address are lack of job opportunities and lack of things to do for young people. We think that there should be a one place in South Kilburn where all classes and courses can be accessed rather than everything being scattered throughout the area.

How important is it to nurture young people’s vision of the future?

Keisha: Absolutely, if a young person’ views are nurtured then good ideas can be developed. If not, then there is a chance of missing out.

Michael: Of course young people’s visions must be nurtured. Not only for the chance of developing new ideas but also to give the young person a chance to develop themselves. By helping to nurture the young person it could determine their future direction in life.

Do you think peer pressure is good or bad?

Keisha & Michael: Peer pressure can be both good and bad – it depends on what young people are being pressured into. If it’s for good things, such as education and getting a job then obviously it is good, if it is for bad things, such as drugs or crime, then obviously it is bad.

Both: We would like to take this opportunity to tell everyone reading this that we are giving away grants to young people in South Kilburn for them to set up their own projects. We have £15,000 to spend on youth projects but we need you to come forward with your ideas. If you have ever thought that there isn’t enough for young people to do in South Kilburn then contact the youth board now and we may be able to help. Call Nik or Hannah on 0208 688 0650 or visit www.skfreshsay.co.uk for more information.

From Best Kept Secret ...

Every young person in South Kilburn needs to get involved – you can stand as a candidate, talk about it with mates, but most importantly, make sure you register to vote so that you can elect your reps and have your say for a better SK!”

“Young people have a lot to say about what life is like in South Kilburn. They are concerned about all sorts of issues, such as health, drugs, education, employment and facilities to keep them out of trouble.

We care about a lot of things but the problem is, we rarely get the chance to change anything and make a difference. The Youth Board will change that – young people really will be able to have a say. Every young person in South Kilburn needs to get involved and have their say for a better SK!”