“Let’s work together to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.”

Growing up in South London can be tough, especially without a clear and solid role model to set the stage for young people. As a child, I experienced hardship due to the lack of guidance and the fact that I was an illegal immigrant with no father figure to look up to. These experiences led me to mould myself positively and develop self-reliance, which has helped me navigate the challenges of growing up in South London.

One of the additional challenges faced by many young people like myself is the lack of green spaces and recreational opportunities available to them, particularly in Black and ethnic minority communities. This can leave young people feeling disengaged from nature and their communities.

I know firsthand the importance of having a voice in the green space movement. As a young man, I saw a real need for more Black-led initiatives that would help to engage young people with nature and give them a sense of ownership and pride in their communities.

Through my work with local environmental groups, I was able to help create more opportunities for young people to engage with nature. We organised community clean-ups, planted trees and gardens, and even helped to create new parks and green spaces in the city.

But more than that, I was able to serve as a role model and mentor for other young people in my community. I showed them it was possible to make a difference, even in the face of adversity. I helped them to find their own voices, and to become leaders and advocates for their communities.

I believe we need more Black and other ethnic minority voices in the green space movement and other areas. We need more young people who are willing to step up and make a difference in their communities and who are not afraid to speak out for what they believe in. They also need opportunities to become active and influential in environmental issues - climate change affects us all.

If you're a young person from a Black or other ethnic minority community who is passionate about the environment, I urge you to get involved. You can make a difference in your community by taking small steps, such as participating in community clean-ups or planting trees and gardens. By doing so, you can create positive change and inspire others to do the same.

Together, we can create a world where every young person has a voice and where every community has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Let's work together to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come.