New social enterprise helping young people develop life skills
A social enterprise launched by a University of Salford graduate is helping young people to develop their life skills during lockdown through a series of creative challenges.
Famous Dekeri, who completed an undergraduate degree in Economics and Business and a postgraduate degree in Management at Salford, launched Chord in January which hosts live events and seminars to empower young people.
The events enable young people grow their social capabilities whilst learning about some core life skills that will help them grow into young independent and creative members of society.
During the lockdown period, the business has switched to operating via online platforms giving young creators the opportunity to share their work.
In February, Chord hosted their first Pen Game live event. This is an opportunity for young creators to share a written piece around a given topic, which are always around social issues.
Round two of the Pen Game challenge is currently underway online with the theme of mental health. Young people are encouraged to submit their written pieces or performances using #PenGameMentalHealth or #PenGameMH and Chord will share this across their social media pages. It will also be used to headhunt potential actors for future theatre productions.
Famous said: “Right now, people are bored and are looking for things to do. A lot of people are exploring and learning new skills, so after exploring these skills we’re hoping to provide a platform for them to share what they have created to get encouragement from other people.
“This encouragement will help with self-esteem and self-confidence which is all part of what we would normally teach in one of our seminars.”
Chord are also working with well-known dancers on another project called Just Move which encourages young dancers to submit their videos that will then be shared on their social media pages to help give them more exposure. As well as a platform for young actors to share monologues for promotion and exposure.
Famous added: “I’ve always been a creative, I sing, teach dance, I act and I’m also into photography and videography.”
After the lockdown period, the business hope to keep the online platforms alongside their live events and seminars.
The Launch @SalfordUni Business Incubator supported Famous with access to office space, masterclasses and one-to-one sessions with entrepreneurs and experts.
Famous said: “The Launch incubator programme helped me to put the idea of Chord on paper.
“Launch also helped me understand some of the essentials of business, such as marketing, accounting, tax, VAT, resilience, networking, leadership and motivation, all of which have proven beneficial to myself and my team.”
Justyna Turner, Launch @Salforduni incubator manager said: “Famous has worked tirelessly over the last few months to launch Chord, in order to support young people in the local community. It is great to see the brilliant work he is doing and making a real change in improving the skills of those young creatives. We are proud to have him as part of our Launch community and we are excited to see his business grow.”
To find out more about Chord visit the website (link expired). The company is currently seeking grants and investment to enable it to expand its work. It is also accepting donations to help it grow. To find out more e-mail info@chordonline.co.uk.
Famous Dekeri, who completed an undergraduate degree in Economics and Business and a postgraduate degree in Management at Salford.
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