YOUNG PEOPLE unite around their communities to complete a quest that I’m sure many of us are familiar with, or have heard about.
This being... ''The Challenge’’. 
The Challenge brings together 16 year olds from a diverse range of backgrounds and through a set of challenges, it prepares them mentally and physically, to design and put forward a project that will make a difference to their community.
 
Throughout the summer, during the course of three weeks, different groups from all over London took part in a variety of set activities.

I caught up with Desai Athanaze, a Year 12 student from Ilford County High School for Boys, Barkingside; who himself, chose to take part in The Challenge at the beginning of his summer holidays.

Having managed to ask him a few questions about the general experience, I got a sense of feel for why many young people chose to participate in such a demanding venture, and how it has affected him, and as I’m sure, many others around the community who were also involved.

So, what is The Challenge?

‘A social club that started and took place in the summer that literally aimed to challenge young people by exposing them to new and different situations, some that would put you out of your comfort zone.’

What did it specifically involve that you felt challenged yourself and other team members?

'We had to be introduced to a variety of new people and were made to interact with them in a group. It was truly like being thrown straight in at the deep end.

In our first week, we had to endure physical activities like rowing, raft building and hiking. I really felt it tested our commitment and ability to demonstrate team work.’
 

Why did you choose to participate in the Challenge?

'To be honest, I wanted a new experience, and to expand my social activities by meeting new people. Overall, I felt it was a really good decision as it truly made my summer eventful.'

How did you feel that your final outcome (final project) benefited the community?

'During week 2, you could choose what work you wanted to do depending on what group you chose to be in, such as sports, media, drama or business. I was in the drama group.

We prepared a presentation for a showcase at the end based on the group theme and through this we took part in charity work.

Our charity work was based in a care home. Yet, this was all in preparation for the final challenge. 

In week 3 we did more charity work for an autistic group called RAGS, and planned how we could raise autism awareness.  We managed to not only raise money in support of RAGS in our attempts to gain donations from the community by the use of free wristbands we gave away, but we helped to spread awareness too. It’s about educating those who otherwise don’t know.'

Sounds like an exciting experience! Would you recommend it to others?

'Yes I definitely would. I think it’s a life changing experience worth having for young people and it does look great as experience on your CV!'

Some individuals such as Desai in our local community strive to make a difference to themselves and society.
Be sure to follow him in his footsteps and check out the RAGS charity, where he still continues to raise the issues of autism awareness. (http://www.rags-havering.org.uk/)
Making a change happen is difficult – but it’s possible.