Experiencing ‘The Way’ Of Mahdlo

Five young people from The Way Youth Zone’s Development Group visited Mahdlo on Saturday evening to experience how the North West Youth Zone do things ahead of The Way’s opening in early 2016.

It is always important to have young people in the development of their Youth Zone and it was great to have Holly, Lauren, Sharna, Danny and Emma visiting Mahdlo.  These five talented and committed young people first became involved when they worked with Wolverhampton based Synaxis and other local young people to create the name and identity of Wolverhampton Youth Zone -The Way.  During their visit they were able to pick apart the bones of Mahdlo in order to inspire their thoughts ahead of the development of The Way.

When asked what they think a Youth Zone in Wolverhampton will do for young people, the response from the group was an overwhelming one:

“There is nothing to do in Wolverhampton for young people. If we have our own Youth Zone, it gives us the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and it keeps us off the streets. In Wolverhampton you see a lot of young people on the streets at night, but this Youth Zone will give them ‘something to do, somewhere to go and someone to talk to.’ It will keep people out of trouble, grab young people’s attention and it will give all different ages a chance to be involved.”

On the night, the group took part in some ice breakers before they were took on a tour of Mahdlo, giving them food for thought ahead of the opening of their own Youth Zone.

There were a host of ideas put forward as to how they would like the interior of The Way to look, from the ’bright’ colours of the walls, to the instruments in the music room! The latter being something the group are most looking forward to getting involved with at The Way.

The group discussed what they would like to see on The Way’s website, which will hit your screens in the not so distant future.  The young people also helped to plan interviews for two youth workers whose job it will be to help support Wolverhampton Young People become involved in The Way.  The Young People had the chance to map out the skills needed and the qualities they wanted to see in potential candidates as well as plan the young people panel for the interview process.

For more information on The Way Youth Zone, visit http://www.onsideyouthzones.org/youth-zones/wolverhampton-youth-zone/