We've come a long way over the years
Bob Clarke, MAMA Youth Project's founder, wanted to get more ethnic minorities into TV production roles (rather than doing 'menial' jobs, like cleaning). So in June 2005, Bob advertised for youths with a similar background to his.
Using his own money, Bob funded 16 of them to produce two editions of the youth magazine show 'What's Up'. He then distributed 10,000 DVD copies of the shows free to the youth of London.
For many of those involved in the making of the show, it was a way into the world of television - a place where many have subsequently found good jobs and real satisfaction.
All in all, this confirmed Bob's resolve to create an organisation dedicated to providing TV production training on an on-going basis.
In June 2007 the MAMA Youth Project became a registered charity and a recognised centre for television production training. As such it is able to offer vocational qualifications.
The first funding the MAMA Youth Project received was from Choice FM's V Project. 25 young adults took part in a two-week workshop and produced a 30-minute episode of 'What's Up'. The participants were from four homeless charities, a young offenders unit and an organisation that helped young people excluded from full time education. The show included interviews with Levi Roots and a performance by Purple.
At the end of 2008, after five more training programmes, the MAMA Youth Project had managed to find work for 31% of its trainees within the television industry. A terrific result that proves that where there's a will, there's a way.
Achievements so far
- MAMA Youth Project has been recognised by the Council of Europe as a top 10 television company in Europe, demonstrating a good initiative and practice towards diversity in media
- MAMA Youth Project has achieved a 31% success rate of employment for young trainees within the media industry
- BSkyB has become the first broadcast/production company to give financial and pro bono support to MAMA Youth Project.
- Our Founder & CEO won the Special Recognition Award at the Cultural Diversity Network Awards held at Channel 4
- MAMA Youth Project receives pro bono support from Hogan Lovells PPL, giving us invaluable legal assistance
- We have built strong relationships with BSkyB, BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Endemol, Virgin Media, Shed Media, Leopard Films, Monkey Kingdom and Hat Trick Productions
- We have built strong relationships with organisations helping young adults such as Social Services, Young Offenders Units, Connexions, Homeless Charities and First Rung
