The Black Boys Can Community Challenge

The National Black Boys Can Association (NBBCA) was selected in 2006 to be one of the 11 National Strategic Partners of the Home Office, Department of Communities and Local Government over the next three years. Helen Judge [pictured], a representative of the Home Office, Department of Community and Local Government launched the BBC National Community Challenge, which is a programme geared to develop partnerships with related organisations in order to create a more unified approach to the specific eduation and personal development needs of Black Boys.

Adopting an early intervention strategy the NBBCA seeks to maximise the academic and personal potential of Black boys in their journey into adulthood, citizenship and employment. By increasing their option to participate more fully in society of which they are part, this should go some way in reducing the risk of boys becoming unemployed and being drawn into crime and imprisonment as a result of social exclusion. These objectives will be achieved through the empowerment of the targeted population, the children, parents and communities. Central to the empowerment process, much of our work will include drawing the various elements of the community together and providing a network for the dissemination and discussion of ‘best practice’. This network will provide a ‘voice’ for the community by providing dialogue, access and representation to policy makers.

We will build on our innovative community systems and community project model and support community groups in replicating this model of ‘best practice’ in other parts of the country. We will also focus on reinforcing the ‘voice’ of the community and find a conduit for communication and consultation with the Government.

Within the strategic partnership the Home Office itself will play a critical role in that they will be consulting with us on matters of policy development relating to race equality and community cohesion, carefully considering advice and evidence and opinion we present to them, keep us up to date with progress on race equality and community cohesion and seek to bring about positive change for Black boys.