Teviot teenagers take the high road to Scotland
Eleven young adults from the Teviot Estate in the East End of London were treated to an adventure of a lifetime last weekend when they ventured over 400 miles to join The Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular in Fife.
The youngsters were selected by Spotlight, an organisation set up in Teviot by Poplar HARCA, which aims to raise the confidence of local young people by offering afterschool clubs, homework spaces, friendship and inclusion. Each of the teenagers who journeyed to Scotland is part of the Youth Empowerment Board (YEB) at Spotlight, a committed group of young people who meet monthly to generate ideas and learn skills whilst having their opinions and perspectives listened to by high-level decision-makers at Poplar HARCA.
Funded by The Hill Group, the delivery partner for the Teviot regeneration, the teenagers enjoyed flights and a two-night stay in an Edinburgh hotel, allowing them to sample some of the highlights of this beautiful city.
It was so much fun, they treated us like VIPs at the festival, and it was fun watching all the performances. The combination of the scenery, the food, and the activities made it so good.
The trip was very good, and I had a lot of fun. Thank you to Spotlight and Hill Group for planning it.
The two-day event was held on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June 2022 at St Ninians in Kelty, close to Edinburgh. The jamboree took place on a uniquely created arena situated on a former open cast coal site by the village of Kelty and celebrated young people's music, offering a rare opportunity for teenagers to display their extraordinary musical talents to the public.
Part of our commitment to Teviot is to add social value to the local community, ensuring we enhance the lives of the residents and help create a better place to live. Being able to give these 11 bright and engaging individuals this opportunity has been wonderful, and I am delighted they have enjoyed the experience. Trips like these can be life-changing, and I hope they have all learned new skills to help them in the future.
Performances came in the guise of massed pipes and drums from Scottish schools, musical skills of the Massed Army Cadet Force Brass bands, dancers from the Julie Young School in Perth, and Military Pipes and Drums. Highland Dancing displays from the Queen Victoria School, Steel Bands and the Flying Imps Motorbike Display Team entertained the crowds, ensuring it was an event fit for a Queen.
The Teviot Estate is currently undergoing one of London's largest regeneration projects, and over the next 15 years, more than 1,750 homes, new green spaces, shops, community facilities and improved infrastructure will change the face of this housing estate in Tower Hamlets. The Hill Group and Poplar HARCA are working together in joint venture to create a safer and more inclusive community.
For more details on Spotlight, contact Spotlight Youth Service. By email to [email protected] or phone 020 30 111 333.
