All our training concentrates on building bridges back into society.  Each young person helps to design the project they are attending, so we find that we are continuously adapting our training to meet their changing needs.

MC Rapagram

“Successful hip-hop artists can show teenagers the path to a successful career….” (The Independent, September 2007)

Gang culture is growing in the UK.  An increasing number of young people are joining these street based groups for whom crime and violence is an essential part of the group’s identity. It is sometimes said that rap music is a communication channel that encourages negative and damaging messages.

MC Rapagram has a completely different approach to rap. The project uses the medium of rap as a practical tool to help disaffected young people build their confidence and self-esteem with their friends and to discourage them from joining gangs and being drawn into gang cultures.  Creating & using positive messages within rap music also works.  Young people, who have perhaps already become involved in local gangs, are able to rethink their self-image and reasons for becoming involved, as well as learning about body language, voice projection and anger and stress management techniques.  Their music sends positive messages directly to the heart of local gangs which can replace the negative ones. 

By the end of the 18 half day sessions, all participants will have learned how to feel valued within the local community, developed significantly higher self-esteem, positive negotiating and teamwork skills as well as the ability to say no to being drawn into the gang culture.

If you think a child or young person that you know could benefit from the Skilltrain experience, please contact us for a confidential discussion on…