Bristol-based youth empowerment social enterprise Babbasa has launched its ambitious #Change300Futures campaign with a fundraising gala dinner for 100 civic and business leaders.
#Change300Futures aims to improve the life chances of 300 young people from inner-city Bristol by supporting them to progress into work, further education or self-employment. 
This is through a unique development programme of accredited skills training, career-orientated events and a professional mentoring scheme.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees kicked off the event at the City Hall with his endorsement of the need to level the playing field for 300 young people from the inner-city.
He shared his own story as a young teenager where a teacher’s intervention was a pivotal role in his own future aspirations.
Babbasa patron pro vice-chancellor Prof Nishan Canagarajah of the University of Bristol also shared the moment his future changed – being selected by his teacher in Sri Lanka to come to England on a scholarship, starting out speaking no English and later being encouraged to go for promotions in the academic world.
Babbasa programme director Poku Osei said: “This campaign is about leveling the playing field for aspiring young people, often disadvantaged by the lack of support for them to capitalise on their skills and opportunities available in the city.
“It is truly exciting to be launching a campaign that allows us to collaborate with both individuals and organisations to make Bristol a city for all.”
The event included young people and their stories throughout the evening. Cameron, one of the young people who have been through Babbasa’s programme, shared his story of pain and opportunity through an interpretation by Miles Chambers, Bristol’s poet laureate, and on stage, his own words, on how he used the opportunity to take ownership of his own future, despite all he has been through.
Arafa, one of young people who benefited from Babbasa’s support, said: “I got involved with Babbasa through their training programme. I got to learn about how a business works, as well as develop my skills.
“I also got assigned a mentor after the training programme, who helped me get a job! I will recommend Babbasa to any young person, it’s hard work but you will enjoy it.”
Babbasa, set up in 2010, supports young people from disadvantaged communities to pursue their professional aspirations. The organisation has already supported hundreds of young people through their projects and initiatives.
The gala raised £8,437 towards the £84,000 Babbasa needs to raise by November next year to make the programme successful.
To find out how to get involved, including mentoring young people or pledging time or money, contact Poku at osei@byep.org.uk or Amy amy.gallivan@byep.org.uk or phone 0117 329 0717.
