Kids inspired by dance class
Nov 15 2008 by Staff Reporter, Liverpool Echo
A UGANDAN performer is using the power of dance
to get young people off the streets of Liverpool.
Douglas Sembuuze, 25, only moved to Prescot from
the African country a year and a half ago, but has
already attracted about 400 youngsters to his High
NRG classes.
The scheme was put together after Doug went to
teenage hangouts and spoke to young people about
their passions, finding out their main interests
were dance and music.
To get them interested, he performed a dance in
the street and attracted an excited crowd, who then
agreed to come along to his workshop.
High NRG was funded by a cash grant from the
Prince’s Trust, which helps about 5,000 14 to
30-year-olds across the north west.
The organisation today highlighted Doug’s
achievements at the start of the Prince’s Trust
Youth Week.
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Doug has now applied
for another community grant from the trust to open a
performance space at Prescot’s Oasis centre for a new project, called NRG
U-TAN.
He said: “I am passionate about dance and music.
Young people are passionate about dance and music.
“I think we can use this tool to communicate to
them. They now have an alternative to drugs, gangs
and violence.
“All the young people I have worked with have
told me they prefer this alternative and the project
really has stopped them from getting up to no good
in the streets.
“Working with the Prince’s Trust has helped me
get through to them and I think we have created
something quite extraordinary here.”
A trust spokesman said: “More than 400 young
people got involved in the music and dance events
and workshops organised by Doug and his team of
leaders.
“The project offered a sanctuary. It got young
people off the streets, reduced crime and gang
culture in the area, and encouraged young people to
develop creative skills.”
news@liverpoolecho.co.uk |
| Sunday 11th Feb 08 - Douglas in
Bognor Douglas travelled down from
Liverpool to visit us in Bognor. He spent some time with Thelma, stayed
with Margaret Truelove, attended the Friday Youth Night, caught up with
Robert, was welcomed at Bognor Regis Baptist Church, had lunch with the
homegroup leaders, walked on the Trundle with Paul and Kay, had tea with
some of the trustees and went to the evening service!!!
After a restful weekend he returned to
Liverpool!!! We hope he will visit for longer another time so that we
can get to know him better. It was great to meet him and a really useful
time.
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