Base Juniors enables young people to learn new creative/digital media skills in a nurturing, supported environment. On Wednesdays, we support 20 10–13-year-olds preparing to move from primary-secondary, or who have recently done so: to creatively express themselves and build a support network.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Our Wednesday night Juniors project is for 10–13-year-olds. Young people told us this was a time they felt particularly fearful and unsupported. Many of the young people attending start with us when they are still in primary school. We are there as a constant for them when making the move up to a new school. This consistency, and a space for safe expressive outlet, is the highlight of young people’s week. A place where they have listening ears, role models and friends to share experiences with.
Solution
Key to the success of our project is that we are genuinely youth-led. Every 6 weeks, we switch to a different mini project following discussions and a vote, to explore a new theme and mode of creativity. The focus is on fun, enrichment and relationship building with staff and peers alike- so genuine friendships can be built. We have open discussions on the themes respect and inclusivity, as the backbone of the project, and tackle any issues that come up as a group or individually as needed.