Graduation Celebrations Funded by GMPA

Young men enjoyed a graduation to remember thanks to Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) at the weekend (July 6).

A total of 45 teenagers aged 13 – 14 donned caps and gowns for a ceremony funded by GMPA at Urbis.

The high profile event was staged in recognition of the young men’s completion of the RECLAIM project, which led to the creation of the Moss Side Manifesto – a statement of their rules for their community in their words.

GMPA Chairman Cllr Paul Murphy said: “Each and every one of the graduates has put in a lot of hard work in recent months. We were delighted to be able to help celebrate that achievement by providing funding for the graduation event.”

Urbis project manager Ruth Ibeguna added: “The graduation event was the culmination of eight months of hard work and dedication from these exceptional young men.

“RECLAIM has seen a real fusion from Manchester institutions, businesses, families and the children themselves, all pulling together to promote peace and positivity for the area of South Manchester.

“We were delighted to host this event in collaboration with GMPA, which has been a firm supporter of the RECLAIM project since its inception in October 2007.

“We fully expect these young men to go on and make a positive difference to the lives of others in their communities and we have been proud to help them on their way”.

RECLAIM was launched in October 2007 with a four-day conference which included creative workshops, discussion sessions and presentations from key speakers.

The Moss Side Manifesto was drafted on the final day of the conference. Over the months which followed RECLAIM students have raised its profile and worked hard to get the local community to sign up to it.

Their work has involved working with mentors and talking to a range of people from MPs to local shopkeepers as well as attending mock interviews with major city centre employers.

It is hoped the experience will give them the skills, confidence and positive attitudes needed to succeed as they embark on a career. It has also helped improve relations in the community.

To see a copy of the Moss Side Manifesto, which is now displayed in many local shops, visit:

• www.urbis.org.uk/page.asp