'YOFSCARS' celebrate young people in Croydon
Press Release Details
- Ref
- 3362
- Date
- Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:30:02
Young people in Croydon will be celebrating their achievements at their very own 'Yofscar' ceremony at the Fairfield Halls on Thursday 24 April.
The Oscars-themed night is being organised by young people from Croydon's Youth Opportunity Fund management team and will highlight all 25 of the projects funded by the scheme in 2007-8. The event promises to be a fun evening featuring arts performances from funded groups with dance, drama, music and food available.
The Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) or Youth Capital Fund (YCF) is a central government grant to provide resources for young people to improve 'things to do and places to go' in their area. The grant is only given to young people who apply for the money and is conditional on young people deciding who should benefit from it. Croydon received £775,224 for the period 2006 to 2008 and there is further cause to celebrate as the government has agreed to extend the funding for another year.
The YOF team is also recruiting new members. Any young person aged 13-19 and living or going to school or college in Croydon is eligible. Being part of the YOF/YCF project is a great opportunity to develop new skills in grant-giving, team work, decision-making, marketing and communications and events management, to name a few.
Croydon Council's cabinet member for children's services and adult learning Councillor Maria Gatland, said: "We're looking for a real mixture of young people to reflect the diversity of Croydon - especially those who have experience and awareness of diversity or disadvantage.
"As part of the team you get to make the decisions about which projects receive money, as well as evaluating how that money has made a difference. Team members will also be given training, some of it in residential settings, and it is a great chance to meet new friends."
Young people interested in applying should complete an application form by Wednesday 5 May. Contact youth participation worker, Rachel Ashcroft, for forms and further information on 020 8760 5583 or email youthopportunityfund@croydon.gov.uk.
