1st Prize by Chanel  Registe-Charles and her mum Mrs Carrol Registe-Charles

2nd Prize by Marlon Maitland and youth worker Marvin Blake

3rd Prize by Damilola Soile, Natasha Banister, and their school teacher Ms Davina McCarthy

4th Prize by  Tereek, and his Aunty Nessa Simpson

5th Prize by Winchester Jobson and his mum Ms Sandra Hutchinson

 

 

 

1st Prize

 H - is for Hope, we have for our town

A - is for Ambitions, we’re all reaching for

R - is for Resolve to all the problems we have

L -is for Love we share with our neighbour

E- is ethnic, the racial groups of people we have around

S - is for the sounds from every background

D -is for dough-the young ones try to make-quick!

E - is for Education, that keeps the bright ones

out of the nick!

N - is for necessities, all the above, for what we need in life,

 Chanel  Registe-Charles and her mum Mrs Carrol Registe-Charles

(top)

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Prize

One positive I can say about Harlesden is having a second chance. I have gone down a criminal path. I have lived a life that has only taken me backwards, but now I look on these streets which once I fed upon, these streets which I smoked and hustled on, these which once brought me down are now my inspiration. I have a second chance to move forward, to gain respect and prosper.

The streets have brought me down but I now see this second chance as a mission to bring me forward, I’m inspired by people around me, those who have walked down the same streets I have. I’m inspired by those who have experience to uplift me, advise and guide me.

I have been given a second chance to succeed not only by these streets, but by the people who empower those still struggling and hustling on the streets.

The people have given me a second chance, they believe in me. Thus they empower me to find the potential and strength within myself so finally I can succeed on these streets.

Marlon Maitland and youth worker Marvin Blake

(top)

 

 

 

 

3rd Prize

 Harlesden is where I live

Bright and vivid with

People of all colours

Ages, backgrounds and beliefs

Preachers preach

Teachers teach

Even in the school I go

Different races are mixing

Blending together

To become good friends

Love one another

And live in quiet harmony

We may all be different

But we’re all very special

In our little ways

In my community

Love is there

All around us

Making us

Rich beyond measure

We may not have much

In the way of possessions and wealth

But at least we have each other!

 Damilola Soile, Natasha Banister, and their school teacher Ms Davina McCarthy

(top)

 

 

 

 

4th Prize 

Harlesden’s my area

It’s my home and I feel

Safer here than anywhere else.

 

My house is here and my

School is near and my friends

And family are close.

 

I can walk to my friends’ house,

Where we play games

Read and have lots of fun.

 

My Mum shops in Harlesden,

Because the food is flown in from Jamaica,

There’s no place I’d rather live

Coz there’s no place greater!!

 By Tereek, aged 5 and his Aunty Nessa Simpson

(top)

 

 

 

 

 

 

5th Prize

The best thing about Harlesden is that there are a variety of youth clubs and many activities. The reason that’s the best thing is because it keeps kids off the streets so that they’re not likely to get into trouble like when you’re wondering about on the streets.

I think music plays a big part because youth likes music and if music is in a club they will go there. Probably there are more positive things about Harlesden but that’s the only one I can think of. My Mom says one positive thing about Harlesden is for young people are the talent shows they put one every now and again because it helps the youth to recognise their talents and their goals so that they know what they’re going to do when they grow up.

Winchester Jobson and his mum Ms Sandra Hutchinson

(top)