Helen Elder reports on how a youth centre in east London is embarking on a pioneering new youth programme, exclusively for girls.
The Arbour youth centre in Stepney has just embarked on a pioneering new youth programme, exclusively for girls. The number of young women entering youth centres nationally is low.
Recruiting from Stepney is proving to be a big challenge, with a large population of new arrivals from Bangladesh and Somalia. But the Arbour is finding ways to get them through the door. As a volunteer I went along to find out more about the scheme.
The project, aimed at 8-18 year olds from the local area, is designed to educate, entertain and inspire girls and young women who through social, cultural or religious reasons do not tend to go to youth centres.
"The programme covers an empowering range of activities from art, volleyball, homework, and English to Bollywood dancing," says Fiona Bird, youth worker for the project. "And, importantly, it offers the opportunity to equip them with life-skills."
However, it is clear to see from visiting the centre at first hand that these projects need support from volunteers to help get them off the ground and continue to develop the programme further.
Fiona, 25, adds: "We have to factor in sessions which are subject to parents’ approval, approval that is not easy to come by, in a majority population of strict Muslims."
She has now begun to enlist volunteers to help her create a "buzz" and encourage young women to join, but is always looking for new people to continue supporting her and get more involved with the projects.
Ms Bird has found herself in heated discussions with fathers at the school gates, trying to justify the need for a homework club or an art session for the girls. She has said it is a "difficult" community to engage, but the work is incredibly rewarding.
The Centre creates a unique place where girls and young women feel supported, listened to and empowered.
It does appear the challenges they face at the Arbour are embraced. Their equal opportunities policy clearly states that all project activities and programmes are designed in collusion with young people.
From my own volunteering experience at the Arbour, they are working well with a variety of religious beliefs and ideals to create a more cohesive environment.
Jitka, centre manager, believes this is something which will take time and trust to develop from parents and children alike.
A working day for the Arbour team can run well over the usual nine till five routine to make sessions held after school, possible.
The centre is used for weekly Brownie and Guide meetings, and a parent forum, which is community based. The fathers group gather every Tuesday.
"This is a community group we would particularly like to engage and link to the Youth Centre so that the fathers’ input can be included in the centre’s growth. The Arbour puts emphasis on helping young people, inclusive of parents," adds Jitka.
Volunteers at the centre receive ongoing training to help them fulfil their role.
It has been inspiring to volunteer with the Arbour team, who are dedicated to their jobs and committed to broadening the opportunities of the young people in Stepney.
I’d recommend it to anyone interested in volunteering for an inspiring and determined youth group, with huge potential.
Now after taking part in supervised preparation through speaking to the local community, I can see the girls are starting to join the programme.
Rada, 16, who takes part in the homework club with her parents’ permission, was keen to say: "I have been able to learn something new and help myself’".
To contact the Arbour to find out more about their volunteering opportunities check out the website at
http://www.thearbour.org.uk/ alternatively call 020 7790 6578.
Fiona@thearbour.org