What can I do to help?

On 16th August Nilanthan Murddi became the 23rd teenage to be killed this year and the 17th victim of knife crime. More violent acts; more young lives snuffed out before each of them had an opportunity to fulfil their potential. Once again we are shocked by the news that these young people have lost their lives on our streets as a result of knife crimes.

A teenager sums up the current wave of knife crime as follows:

“As I see the teenage murder rate increase as the year goes by, it worries me that there are people the same age and younger than me that are dying. It makes me wonder what is going on in the minds of other teenagers across London. Because I’m growing up in this generation, it makes me feel even more concerned. I’m also just thankful that I haven’t been affected in any way by teenage gun and knife crime.

However, my heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims that have been stabbed or shot to an early grave.”

I believe that more ex-offenders that have turned their lives around for the better should come forward and tell the youth of today that crime isn’t the right thing to do. The youth would listen because they know that the ex-offenders are talking from their past experience. I think that ex-offenders that have turned their lives around could be possible role models for our young offenders.

- Ashley Henry, 16

The question we must each ask ourselves is “What can I do to help?”

There is no doubt that young people need guidance and motivation – aims and objectives, which steers them away from the attraction of being in a gang – to becoming useful members of society. There are a number of youth charities which have been specifically set up for the purpose of motivating young people and helping them to achieve life skills and their ultimate goals. One such charity is Excell3 whose aim and objective is to “transform lives through education, training and development”. Certainly, education is one of the means for young people to progress with self-esteem and dignity in reaching their goals.

It is as a result of Excell3’s untiring progress to reach the youth that we are hosting our annual Classical Caribbean Charity Ball on 1 November 2008 in their favour. As part of their education programme, Excell3 has joined with Oxford University and has established a programme whereby Year 10 boys embark upon a series of courses held at Oxford University. These courses give the boys an insight into the University and encourage them to consider undertaking their studies there. In particular, the course is to benefit boys from predominantly deprived backgrounds. There are also other programmes for youths who do not wish to embark on a career requiring academic skills. We at ASL Fundraising see the work of Excell3 (incorporating National Association of Black Boys Can), as crucial to uplifting the lives of our youth and saving many from a life of crime.

At the evening’s event, you will hear from youngsters whose lives have been radically transformed by Excell3.

Please help us to support Excell3 by purchasing a ticket for £90.00 for the event or better still invite friends, relatives or colleagues by booking a table for 10.

The evening promises to be also fun-filled with a Rum Punch Reception hosted by Joe Carty’s Steel Orchestra; during dinner music by the inimitable Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra with their fusion of reggae and classical music, after dinner speeches, and a closed auction followed by disco dancing until midnight

We have negotiated a 30% reduction for tuxedo and evening gown hire with Moss Bros and Burtons so that you do not have to miss this wonderful evening.

Gun and knife crime blights all of our lives. Please support us in our endeavour to remove knives from our streets by attending the Ball.

We look forward to welcoming you on 1 November 2008.

For further information on each charity please go to www.usatbmf.com and www.excell3.com.

Yours sincerely

Lucilda Stewart
Chair
ASL FUNDRAISING