FIFTY schoolboys have delivered a message of peace to south Manchester's streets.

The schoolboys, aged 12 to 14, have been handing out copies of the Moss Side Manifesto, which lists ways in which young people can help fight gun crime and change the neighbourhood's image.

Among its messages, the manifesto urges youngsters not to `let killers get away with the crimes', to not `carry things you don't want to be used against you', and to `put your hood down sometimes and smile'.

The agenda has been drawn up against a backdrop of regular teenage shootings in south Manchester and gave the boys who compiled it a rare chance to speak out on the issue.

Thousands of copies of the manifesto have been distributed and are being displayed in shops and homes in Moss Side and Hulme.

The idea is that the manifesto will serve as a reminder to young people about what they can do to reclaim the streets.

It encourages young people to take education seriously, saying `drop the guns and pick up the books', and it calls for harmony in inner city neighbourhoods saying `it doesn't matter what colour you are, or what area you are from, we're all human'.

It was put together at the Reclaim conference at Urbis, where pupils from south Manchester high schools took part in exercises aimed at building character and raising ambition.

They came up with the points for the manifesto in a special session, before voting on which were the best ones.

Organiser and Urbis' head of learning Ruth Ibegbuna said: "The boys worked together to take a stand on the issues they care about. We hope the manifesto will help bring about a positive change in the area, driven by young people themselves."

Leadership qualities

Many of the young delegates at the Reclaim conference were black boys who have shown leadership qualities, but are statistically more likely to underachieve at school.

At the Reclaim conference, part of a six month project, they received mentoring from 27 positive male role models from their communities, like fireman Curtis McLardie and school achievement co-ordinator Sheridan Lewis.

There was also careers advice from high profile black men like TV journalist Tony Morris and Charles Crichlow, chair of Manchester's Black and Asian Police Association.

At one point during the week the children were spilt into groups and given £150 with which to make a difference.

They visited St Mary's Primary School in Moss Side, made friends with residents at an old folks' home, and even threw a party for officers at Greenheys police station.

Tylo Jamieson, 12, from Levenshulme, a pupil at Burnage High School, said: "It's been a really good week, where the mentors have shown us that we can do something good in life, and that they will be there to support us.

"At the primary school we threw a party for the children and we ended up being mentors to them. It was good to make them happy - and we saw what it's like for teachers. I have grown up a lot this week."

Trinity C of E High School pupil Jordan McGlachen, 13, from Hulme, said: "I got to have experiences I have never had and learnt a lot. I got the chance to do try graffiti legally and really enjoyed it."

The youngsters also learnt street dancing, urban poetry, African drumming and creative writing, leading to performances showcasing their new skills.

The boys were handpicked for the Reclaim project after organiser Ruth Ibegbuna, Urbis' head of learning, contacted their schools.

Ruth, a former secondary school teacher, said: "The boys were respectful and punctual throughout the conference. They learnt that there is a range of paths they can take in life, and we hope that with this knowledge and confidence they can help change the image of areas like Moss Side and strive for the best in life."

Euro MP Arlene McCarthy dropped into the event and described it as `just what's needed.' The project is likely to be rolled out nationally and future local projects could include a day with the RAF and a trip to Liverpool to learn about slavery.

Manchester Central MP Tony Lloyd said: "The Reclaim project is an excellent development that shows that young people have got great things to contribute, when all too often they can be seen as a problem.

"The Moss side manifesto is a great example of how you can bring people together from different communities, who have had no contact with each other, yet reach the same conclusion - a conclusion of hope." Tweet