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POSITIVE DIFFERENCE: Key workers, volunteers and youngsters at the Reformation project

WHILE HUNDREDS of youths ran rampant on London’s streets, in a quiet corner of Tulse Hill, south London, an after school project is making sure scores of youngsters are kept off the streets.

Every week, the Reformation Community Project (RCP), helps up to 20 children not only learn a variety of academic subjects but also helps them learn how to tackle challenging issues such as bullying.

“We decided to think outside of the box and provide a service for parents with children as young as eight” said RCP project manager, Lorraine Kenton. “Most people think that eight year olds should really be with their parents, but we found that they actually weren’t always with them. They were getting initiated into criminal activity by others on the street.”

Kenton said RCP, which is open to children from various boroughs, was started as a prevention programme against gun and knife crime, and aims to keep “children safe, off the streets and putting them in an environment where they can communicate with each other…

“Three days per week, we use our topic sessions to discuss bullying and any other issues that the children may have. We also have mentoring sessions where the children can discuss any individual problems with our key workers. Crime and other current issues that are affecting the world today are also talked about. We read with them (the children) and we also have a teacher who comes and teaches Maths, English and Science on the computer.”

She added “We also support families and liaise with local schools.”

The project, founded by community leader Tony Miller, has five key workers from the local community and willing parents who volunteer when needed. It targets children aged 8 to 13 and runs after school activities during term time from 3:30pm until 8pm and also provides services during the school holidays from 11am until 5pm for children.

The project has been a hit with youngsters. Eight-year-old Chantay Mckenley, told The Voice: “There’s lots of games. We go to places nearly every day and have adventures!”

Ten year-old Michael Ashanti, who plays the drums, piano and bass added: “ The reason why I come here is because its fun! I get to make new friends and go lots of places.” Another child at the after-school club mentioned how “I’d be at home watching TV if I wasn’t here, being bored.”