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The recent and senseless murders of young people on inner city streets across the country has highlighted the need for a much deeper understanding of the influences on youth violence. The ‘Young Leaders for Safer Cities', programme is a pioneering BTEC course designed to tackle the issues of gang culture, violence and to bring about positive youth leadership. Equivalent to one GCSE, the course puts young people at the centre for finding solutions for safer cities. It equips students with new skills to navigate and make positive changes within their communities. Recently accredited by Edexcel the course was created and designed by the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MetBPA).

Deputy Chair of the Association Bevan Powell said, “The aim of the course is to develop a greater sense of social responsibility and leadership capability within young people”. He added, “our philosophy is to empower young people, and in turn for them to empower others to become the change that they wish to see in society and their local communities”

The ‘Young Leaders for Safer Cities' leadership programme targets students from years 9 and 10. The programme commences with a seven-day residential summer camp where students are given a course induction and are exposed to a wide range of role models from the Association's own youth forum ‘Young Black Positive Advocates, international young leaders and members from the community and police service.

The ‘Young Leaders For Safer Cities' BTEC sits within a broader context of the MetBPA's youth engagement strategy, VOYAGE (Voice of the Youth and Genuine Empowerment) strategy.

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