Hockley project to ensure youngsters carry on the carnival tradition is given £9,500 grant

Oct 26 2009 by Edward Chadwick, Birmingham Mail

A PROJECT to ensure that youngsters carry on Birmingham’s carnival tradition has been given a £9,500 grant.

Hockley-based Community Education and Mentoring Service Organisation provides workshops in African drumming, dance and costume design for disadvantaged teenagers.

The group is one of 44 sharing a Big Lottery Fund windfall totalling £338,019 across the West Midlands.

Project manager Tunji Moore said: “We’re carrying on a legacy and history of African and Caribbean performing arts.

“The grant means we can offer sessions for free, which can often make the difference between kids having a chance to try something and not.”

The latest round of awards will also benefit a group of 16 to 25-year-olds from inner-city Birmingham who are engaged in the Centre Spot programme.

Young people from disadvantaged areas will be given the chance to learn music production and media skills to help them in to work or education. The scheme has been awarded £8,169.

Hillstone School in Shard End has been given £8,250 to provide art workshops to the community.

Anglesey Primary School in Lozells will use a £10,000 to create an organic garden on derelict land to encourage pupils to learn more about healthy eating.