The Voices of South London: a new youth-led programme begins
At the start of October, we launched The Voices of South London at Rekindle Tulse Hill.
Southwark and Lambeth are among England’s most diverse boroughs, rich with vibrant histories, cultures and stories of resilience. Yet, alongside this incredible diversity, these communities face deep inequalities, including rising gentrification, child poverty, income deprivation and youth violence. South London is often portrayed as dangerous and lacking in opportunity.
Flipping the Narrative
The Voices of South London project is flipping this narrative – putting young people at the centre. Rather than being defined by negative stereotypes, they are given a platform to share their stories, perspectives, and creativity, showing the world the energy, talent and spirit that truly define their communities.
Creativity in the Classroom
In the lead-up, our Creative Educators took the project directly into local schools, sparking conversations and inspiring interest across the London Boroughs. The response was overwhelming. Josh Eyakware – one of our Creative Educators – performed a spoken word piece in assemblies, using poetry to capture the spirit of the project and invite young people to share their own voices. Each young person has brought to the space their own stories, experiences and ideas about how their community feels and could be.
Exploring Identity and Place
Over the course of ten weeks, they will explore what it really means to experience living in South London as a young person today. Through workshops on storytelling, culture, identity, changemaking and filmmaking, they’ll create a short documentary that reclaims the narrative and redefines what it means to be a South Londoner.
To bring some of these themes to life, another one of our fabulous Creative Educators Vanessa Boodhoo, designed a custom ‘Monopoly: South London Edition’ The game explores themes of class, gentrification and South London culture – swapping fictional property prices for real local rents and salaries. It’s a playful but thought-provoking way to get young people talking about inequality, home and belonging in the places they know best.
I am excited to see how our young people will bring this project to life via the film. They bring the passion, excitement, fresh perspectives and authenticity that needs to be platformed and encouraged at Rekindle and beyond.’
Over the coming weeks, participants will build skills in creativity, teamwork and critical thinking, supported by our team of Creative Educators. The project will culminate in a December screening, where their finished film will be shared with family, friends and local community leaders.
Raphy, a young person joining the programme, expressed that Rekindle’s Voices of South London has given him
a place to start thinking about my area in a way that I have not before.
The Voices of South London reflects Rekindle’s mission to nurture curiosity, confidence and creativity – giving young people space to question, express and shape the world around them.
