Although we have been working for and with the kids of Lavender Hill for quite some time now, we are outsiders and only at the beginning of truly understanding what it means to grow up and to live a kid’s life in Lavender Hill. Our belief is that nothing can or should be done for the kids, if it’s not done with them, if it’s not developed on the basis of personal interaction, research and trust.
Prof Leanne Scott, interviewed 57 kids in Lavender Hill. She identified the following points as being important for a kids’ programme:
- Predictability
- Dependability
- A stepping stone programme to an identified future
- Widening of the kids’ worlds to other possibilities
- De-stressing activities
- A programme which allows success to be identified, worked towards and claimed
- A programme which allows the kids to be givers and not just receivers
- Considering the positive influence of mainly female family members, as well as teachers on the kids
Lutz Manzelmann has been working with the Lavender6 Youth group since February 2021, and here are some of his impressions:
- Kids need access to safer environments where they can focus and learn better
- Kids need more positive (male) role models and guidance
- Kids are in need of more stimulation and exposure to new things
- In general, kids are courageous and self-dependent
- Kids have a strong zest for learning