Jamal leads the way to giving young a chance

A PIONEERING initiative aimed at getting troubled youngsters off the streets and into employment or education has seen its first success.

Jamal Haynes has graduated from the Off Da Streets project and is set to start a mechanics course at college in September.

The 18-year-old, from the Hemmingwell area of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, UK said: "It has made such a difference as it has encouraged me to better myself and discover my full potential, rather than just hanging about on the streets.

"I would have been hanging around the street corners getting caught up in trouble and probably could have ended up going to prison.

"I am happy because I cannot wait to start my course and mechanics is something I have always wanted to do as I am a practical person."

Off Da Streets was set up by the West African Caribbean Association and provides mentoring and life skills for young people, aged between 13 and 25.

Youth director Benjamin Henry said: "The idea of the project is to get young people off the streets and give them somewhere to go and something positive to do with their time.