Inspiration Case 25: Youth Responsibility Education Program

INSPIRATION CASE 25: YOUTH RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Š Clear Village 2011

General Information Often, youths that are brought up in difficult environments where they are exposed to things that perhaps no child should see, are as a result set on life paths that lead to social alienation stemming from aggressive behaviour and a higher likelihood of becoming engaged in criminal activities.

In such cases, social help is much needed. Projects such as our inspiration example Crime2Climb attempt to get at risk young people off of the streets and teach them responsibility and social values.

Inspiration & Parametres for change a) individual development and growth Such a project provides an opportunity for personal achievement and leaves participants with more confidence, higher self-esteem and transferable life skills including those in communication, teamwork, trust, patience and respect.

Furthermore, participants gain a professional qualification to enhance the opportunities in their futures. b) benefits for the public In diverting individuals away from criminal activity, a drop in crime should logically follow. A reduction in crime, especially anti-social behavior, in turn improves community life. Finally, this scheme costs less than a university course or what would be spent taking someone through the criminal justice system.

Information and pictures sourced from http://www.onthisroc.co.uk | www.caverntours.com | alanhalewood.blogspot.com | All rights reserved.

INSPIRATION CASE 25: YOUTH RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME Our inspiring example: Crime2Climb, Liverpool U.K., 2010

Š Clear Village 2011

Crime2Climb is not just a climbing wall for young people but is all about creating opportunities and changing lives.

The project is aimed at 17+ year-olds who are not in education, employment or training and who are, or likely to be, caught up in the criminal justice system. The project is designed with a multiple stage approach to not only give young people leisure-time activities but also an opportunity to gain a recognised climbing qualification which could help them to find professional opportunities after the programme is over.

How does Crime2Climb work in detail?

Any agency or individual can recommend someone for the project. The local police, housing associations and youth offending teams also help with recruitment. After recruitment the Crime2Climb scheme has four stages: Stage one involves 10 hours of climbing divided in to 5 sessions. The participants explore the skills needed for climbing as well as their own gifts and abilities. In stage two, there are 70 more hours of climbing and instruction. The number of sessions per week or month is flexible.

Stage three involves participants completing the Climbing Wall Award and a firstaid course. Successful completion of this stage means that they are qualified as a climbing instructor. As a part of this stage, participants get helped in registering with the British Mountaineering Council and Mountain Leader Training England. In stage four, participants are assisted in finding work with other climbing centers.

What does this mean for local communities?

Crime2Climb is about working with young people who have neither a job nor sufficient education and thus slim possibility of a bright future. It provides them with training and a potential profession, but moreover it teaches them responsibility and values.

Lack of work and education are often seen as two primary reasons that young people find themselves actively engaging in criminal activities, with their final destination more often than not being the criminal justice system. Projects like Crime2Climb are doing better than just fighting crimes – they are preventing them. By helping young people to become an integral part of society they help not only the young people but the whole community as well.

Information and pictures sourced from http://www.onthisroc.co.uk | www.caverntours.com | alanhalewood.blogspot.com | All rights reserved.