Our young people are collaborating with the Museum of the Home in Hackney to develop creative solutions for retelling the full story of Robert Geoffrye. This project aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced narrative, highlighting his contributions as a philanthropist while also addressing his involvement as a slavery investor.

Through this initiative, students are engaging in research, storytelling, and digital media to reflect the complexities of Geoffrye’s legacy. This collaboration not only enhances the museum’s exhibits but also empowers young people to critically examine historical figures and their impacts. By participating in this project, students are developing valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and digital content creation, while also contributing to a more inclusive and honest representation of history.

The project underscores the importance of acknowledging all aspects of historical narratives, fostering a deeper understanding of the past, and promoting dialogue about the legacies that shape our present and future.

Our young people have conducted in-depth research to explore the impact of behaviour codes and policing in secondary schools, particularly in response to the Child Q incident. This research aims to understand how these policies affect students’ experiences and outcomes.

The research highlights that strict behaviour codes can sometimes lead to disproportionate disciplinary actions against minority students, and the presence of police officers in schools, intended to ensure safety, can sometimes contribute to a climate of fear and mistrust among students. This is especially true for students from marginalised communities. The incident involving Child Q has brought to light the urgent need for more sensitive and equitable approaches to school discipline.

Voyage was commissioned to assist East London Water Parks to shape and influence the development of new water park facilities. This exciting collaboration aims to ensure that these facilities better accommodate hard-to-reach communities and young people of colour in London. At Voyage, we are dedicated to empowering young people and fostering inclusive communities, so this project aligned perfectly with our mission, as we work together with East London Water Parks to create spaces that are welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Our young people engaged with local communities to gather insights and feedback on their needs and preferences, collaborated with designers and planners to incorporate features that cater to diverse groups. The project provided a platform for our young people to take on leadership roles, ensuring their voices are heard and their ideas were implemented.

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We are thrilled to announce that our young people have been appointed by Hopkin Van Mills to consult the public on national environmental priorities. This prestigious opportunity allowed them to work closely with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to facilitate online conferences and events, engaging with the community on critical environmental issues.

Over the course of a year, our dedicated youth consultants played a pivotal role in gathering public input and fostering meaningful discussions about the future of our natural environment. Their efforts have not only contributed to shaping national policies but also provided them with invaluable experience in public consultation and event management.

We are proud to share that some of our young consultants have been offered permanent positions, reflecting their exceptional contributions and commitment. This collaboration underscores our mission to empower young people and provide them with opportunities to make a tangible impact on society.

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Voyage is committed to staying informed of the issues affecting our young people and understanding their evolving needs in Hackney and the surrounding areas we serve. Each year, we conduct comprehensive consultations with the youth in our programmes and our graduates. This process empowers young people by providing opportunities to undertake community-based research, voice their concerns, and reflects these needs in our planning and fundraising strategies.

Through these annual consultations, we ensure that our initiatives are tailored to address the most pressing challenges faced by young people of African and Caribbean descent in London. By involving them directly in the research process, we not only gain valuable insights we also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among our youth.

Our Youth Advisory Board (YAB) plays a crucial role in this consultation process, gathering feedback from over 200 participants, including graduates. This feedback informs our work and helps us secure the necessary resources to create impactful and relevant programmes and projects.

Voyage believes in the power of youth-led research to drive meaningful change. Our annual consultations are a testament to our commitment to empowering young people and ensuring their voices are at the heart of everything we do.

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At Voyage Youth, we are proud to have two distinct groups of ambassadors: Heritage Ambassadors and Tech Ambassadors. These young leaders, who are participants in our programmes, play a crucial role in driving our mission forward.

Heritage Ambassadors are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural history of their communities. Currently, they are working on an exciting project focused on the Windrush generation. This project aims to document and share the stories of those who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971, highlighting their contributions and the challenges they faced. Through interviews, community events, and educational materials, our Heritage Ambassadors are ensuring that these important narratives are not forgotten and continue to inspire future generations.

Our Tech Ambassadors, on the other hand, are at the forefront of our efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance technological literacy among diverse young people who are typically underrepresented in the tech industry. They are actively involved in developing new tech qualifications and creating stronger links Between Voyage and the tech industry. By organising workshops, representing us at roundtables and supporting us in networking events, our Tech Ambassadors are equipping their peers with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age. Their work not only opens up new career opportunities but also fosters innovation and creativity.

Together, our Heritage and Tech Ambassadors embody the spirit of Voyage Youth, driving positive change and empowering their peers to achieve their full potential.

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