Apologies for the lack of recent postings but as you can see the site has had a make over!  Friday is often the day I get out and about in the community and today was no exception.  Up in New Cross I visited Eclectic Productions to meet the team behind Reprezentz Radio.  Reprezent is a youth-led multimedia channel, providing learning and broadcasting opportunities to young people.   They have made a very impressive bid for an FM channel which would allow them to build on the work they are currently doing with South London young people.   You can get more information about Reprezents at http://www.reprezent.org.uk/

One of the things that Reprezentz challenges is stereotyping of young people and the same subject came up when I had lunch with a very impressive group of year 11 students at Northbrook School (soon to become Trinity, Lewisham).  Along with their fellow students they are managing really well in coping with their temporary home while an exciting new school is being built.

I heard from students about the courses they are doing now and their hopes for the future.  These are committed, hard working young people and they are angry about how the media stereotype all young people are being a problem. 

 They are right and I know that the overwhelming majority of young people in Lewisham are a credit to our borough.  Of course we have to address the challenges created by a small minority who find themselves in trouble but lets remember they are the exceptions and celebrate the achievements of the great majority!  More information about Northbrook at http://www.trinitylewisham.org.uk/

As Roger Daltrey sang “The Kids Are Alright”