8:50am Thursday 12th March 2009
By Matt Watts
A creative project to empower the country’s youth and help them move away from the lure of gangs and crime has been launched by two Streatham brothers.
The Generation Next Foundation project includes programmes for young people interested in documentary filmmaking and fashion, and aims to address a lack of extra curricular activities for young people.
It will first focus on Lambeth’s youth before going on a nationwide tour of schools.
Hamdi Bonin, 30, and his brother Ludvig Bonin, 27, of Streatham Hill, who both work in child protection in the borough, say the project will help young people fulfil their dreams, but also teach them the importance of social responsibility.
Hamdi said: “Instead of demonising young people, we believe it is important to encourage them to take ownership of their destiny, make a positive impact on their communities, and to provide them with a platform where their voices can be heard.”
The project boasts a 20-strong team of youth workers and industry professionals.
Its filmmaking branch, Generation Next Productions, will give young people interested in film production and social affairs the chance to produce their own documentaries - tackling the subjects that matter to them most.
Hamdi said this will give youth a voice and a vehicle to drive positive change within their communities.
The foundation, which has prospective Streatham Parliamentary candidate Chuka Umunna as a board member, has also launched its own fashion label Belvedere Clothing.
Fashion students and young designers will be able to submit designs to the label – the best of which will be made and sold in a number of independent retailers - with high street chains also interested in the idea.
The fashionistas would receive a percentage of the profit made by their design.
The projects will work in harmony with an interactive forum spotliet.com where people can post their creative work, write entertainment news and reviews, and participate in debates.
“We want to get young people away from the virtual world of social networking sites and focus on being creative and discussing real issues,” said Hamdi.
• Do you want to see more out of school activities in your area? Let us know in the comments section below.
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