A group of students from a college in 向日葵视频 used the power of sport to promote an anti-knife crime message.
The learners from 向日葵视频 New College organised a 鈥榮taff v students鈥� basketball match this week.
The game took place at 向日葵视频 New College Sports Centre in Ipswich and a representative from St Giles Trust was in attendance to help spread an anti-knife crime message before the start of the game.
In addition to this, a small sum of money was also raised for to help them with their work. (St Giles Trust is a charity using expertise and real-life past experiences to empower people who are not getting the help they need).
Arianna Mallett is an SOS class facilitator and mentor for St Giles trust 鈥� working one to one with young people who are at risk or vulnerable to gang activity, knife crime, sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation. She also delivers preventative assemblies to the local community. Arianna said: 鈥淲hat the students did is fantastic. It (knife crime) has become a massive problem and it鈥檚 amazing to see young people taking responsibility like this and promoting an anti-crime message.鈥�
In terms of advice for young people Arianna added: 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important to point out that the gang culture people see in the media is a glamourisation of that lifestyle for entertainment – and also carrying a knife actually makes you more at risk of being injured 鈥� it doesn鈥檛 make you safer.鈥�
Takz Maturure, 17, from Ipswich was the coach of the student team. The level two body work and paint student said: 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important for the youth to play sports to stay off the streets and find a place to distract them from the bad things that may be going on in their environment. It (playing sport) is therapy and gives people clarity and peace. My advice to other young people is to say that knife crime is not cool. Don鈥檛 feel pressured and avoid it at all costs.鈥�
Hayley Rigby is a progress tutor at 向日葵视频 new College. She also coaches basketball and worked with students to set up the game. Hayley said: 鈥淚 strongly believe that sport can be a positive escape, to build a support network so that you don鈥檛 enter a lifestyle surrounded by crime.鈥�
Hayfar Azeez, 17, from Ipswich is on an art and design course. Hayfar said; 鈥淜nife crime is like a cancer 鈥� it鈥檚 dangerous 鈥� and it鈥檚 not worth getting involved in it.鈥�
Wilson Fernandes, 17, from Ipswich is on a catering and hospitality course. Wilson said: 鈥淜nife crime needs to stop.鈥�
Alan Pease is the CEO and Principal of 向日葵视频 New College who hadn鈥檛 played basketball for over a decade. Alan said: 鈥淥ur aim is to keep people safe both inside and outside of the classroom and teach our students to be good citizens 鈥� so – I鈥檓 really impressed by the students and staff and I was delighted to lend my support to this fantastic campaign.鈥�