| Saturday, 27th October 2007, Life-Changers (a non-governmental organisation) held an event at Woolwich Town Hall in Woolwich, London, celebrating the history and progress of the Black Nation. In attendance were various performers, members of the surrounding communities, parents, families and Sajid Jawaid (Mayor of Greenwich) himself. Anyone present was essentially immersed in and given the opportunity to experience rich African culture.
The programme commenced at 12.00pm on the Saturday and came to a close at 6.00pm that evening. A cornucopia of youthful artistes from surrounding neighbourhoods was present and each was given the opportunity to showcase their talents and hard work and effort in preparation for the event. There were various cultural as well as contemporary dances, songs and drumming which were all tied together in a drama based on a true story symbolising the hardships of slavery and ultimately forced labour.
The event was also commemorated with the presentation of awards to the youth who had given up their time in the preceding four months to make the programme possible. Among many others, awards for ‘Best Actress', ‘Best Choreographer', ‘Best Dancer', ‘Best Dressed' and ‘Best Team Player' were presented.
In accordance with this year's theme: Empowering Our Youth, a motivational guest speaker (Dayo Olomu) was invited to ‘impart some words of wisdom' to the youth and others present at the event.
The youth in association with Life-changers presented an overall excellent experience. Without the support and funding of the leaders, the programme would have inevitably become null and void. Founder of Life-changers Sheri Adegbesan, along with other senior members, provided the youth with the necessary equipment and supplies needed for practice in preparation for the programme. Weeks were spent in rehearsals during the week and weekends. In order to promote the event, a handful of the life-changers youth performers were selected to represent the group and vocalize the expectations of the event on Ben television. One week out of preparation was taken in spending time to meet the general public in attempt to publicise the event and hopefully collect funds to further the aim of the company as whole which is the education and training of individuals to achieve their full potentials.
The youth were ultimately given an opportunity to show that they do indeed make a difference in the community and in the society as a whole. It was an all-in-all rich fulfilling experience that promoted unity, education and social growth.
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