Story: Edgar Lowman
The Messenger visited the Ellesmere Youth Project (EYP) to see its good work in action. The group promotes acceptance amongst social groups, confidence in young children and mutual respect.
I went down to Fir Vale School to see two Sunday sessions run by Imran Ali, a youth worker in the area. As they started a game of football, I spoke to him about the Ellesmere Youth Project's conflict resolution work. He explained that its aim was “to build good relationships with young people” and then use these relationships to demonstrate essential life values such as respect and discipline. During my visit, I observed two different age groups taking part in the activities.
In these sessions, EYP promotes discipline, self-respect and respect for others. Imran described the approach towards respect and discipline, towards self and others, as ‘tough but not aggressive’. In the club, young people are encouraged to refrain from using bad language and there is zero tolerance of bullying.
Imran also emphasised the fact that EYP aims to inspire tolerance on issues such as religion. He underscored that dealing with diverse communities such as Burngreave means that sometimes cultures become the subject of conflict and that in such circumstances EYP promotes tolerance; that it is no bad thing to have differences of opinion, culture or religion. He encourages young people to accept that such differences are not a basis for judging others or oneself. Mutual respect is at the core of EYP's conflict resolution project and its work with young people in the Burngreave and Fir Vale areas of Sheffield.
Imran explained that Sonam Nawaz, EYP’s female conflict resolution worker, is currently working with the Pitsmoor Adventure Playground to set up a similar group with young people from a Roma-Slovakian background. Eventually EYP will organise activities bringing together young people from different backgrounds as it continues to promote values of mutual and unconditional respect for difference.
EYP set up this project in response to conflicts that have been reported in the area and aims to create positive change through its work in the area.
If you would like to contact Ellesmere Youth Project call 0114 213 3120