Over five months, our Young Grant Makers have led the way, deciding how funding should be invested in youth projects and services across Islington. This year’s cohort chose to back local projects and services which support young people to navigate key life transitions, offer engaging educational opportunities, and proactively reach young people who may otherwise be excluded from services.
Having finalised their funding decisions, we caught up with Jarah, one of our amazing Young Grant Makers, who shared some reflections about the process so far.
What have you enjoyed so far?
I have enjoyed being part of a process where young people are genuinely trusted with responsibility and decision-making power.
It has been meaningful to see how our lived experiences are valued and used to shape funding decisions that affect our community, as well as the discussions which have helped me think more critically about impact, fairness, and the role young people can play in influencing systems.
What have you found the most challenging?
I have found it challenging to navigate different perspectives within the group, especially when opinions differ strongly. We’ve all come from different walks of life and different experiences which shape what is important to us individually.
However, this has also been a valuable learning experience in listening, compromise, and respectful decision-making, as well as opening my eyes to perspectives I would not have considered previously.
What are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to seeing the long-term impact of the projects we have funded and understanding how our decisions support young people across Islington in meaningful ways, as well as using the skills I have gained through this programme, particularly around collaboration, leadership, and advocating for young people’s voices in future opportunities.
Watch this space for exciting updates!
Community organisations across Islington are under real pressure, with more local people and families pushed into poverty and demand for support at an all-time high. What’s more, Islington has the highest child poverty rate in London – and young people are feeling the impact every day. You could help fund even more local projects for young people, open up opportunities, and make sure every young person in Islington feels seen, supported and able to thrive.
