An ambitious campaign to improve the life chances of 300 young people from inner-city Bristol by supporting them into work, further education or self-employment is to be launched next week.
The #Change300Futures campaign is being coordinated by Babbasa, the award-winning Bristol-based youth social enterprise, through a unique development programme of accredited skills training, career-orientated events and a professional mentoring scheme. 
It will be launched at a fundraising gala dinner event for 100 civic and business leaders next Thursday at City Hall.
The event will give civic and business leaders the chance to hear the personal stories of young people first-hand and experience their talents.
Babbasa programme director Poku Osei said: “This campaign is about levelling 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 will feature a performance from Bristol’s Poet Laureate Miles Chambers and a keynote message from University of Bristol pro vice chancellor Prof Nishan Canagarajah. 
Supporters of the evening include Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees, former mayor George Ferguson and other prominent city figures.
Babbasa, which was set up in 2010, supports young people from disadvantaged communities to pursue their professional aspirations. It has already helped hundreds of young people through their projects and initiatives.
Babbasa needs to raise £84,000 by November next year to make the programme successful. Bristol City Council service director for education and skills, Paul Jacobs, said: “Babbasa’s projects are a great asset and I think they’re a model others can learn from.
“They absolutely model Bristol as a Learning City and one reason why they are so powerful is the linking up with professionals who’ve been on their own journey and are able to mentor young people on their journey.”
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!”
To book tickets for the #Change300Futures Fundraising Gala go to http://tinyurl.com/gwkzszn. The ticket includes a drinks reception, two-course meal and fundraising auction.
To pledge or donate go here: https://localgiving.org/charity/babbasa/
To read the full campaign details go to: http://babbasa.byep.org.uk/300futures/
