Havering teens launch global youth charity

At 17, most teenagers are just beginning to figure out what they want to do when they finish their studies.

Kieran Goodwin however, has just launched Britain’s newest international charity at the Houses of Parliament – and he is the CEO.

On Monday night, Kieran, a former Abbs Cross Academy student, of Hornchurch, spoke to a room of more than 200 people and outlined his plans for the World Youth Organisation (WYO).

The charity has already made connections in all seven continents to deliver educational programmes and opportunities to young people in politics, environment, business, arts, technology and sport.

And Kieran said more projects were on the way.

He said: “Monday was a big day for us. Launching a global charity had to be done right, and I think we achieved that unconditionally.

“Hard work always pays off, and I couldn’t have been more happy to see it all come together so well. For us now, we will be planning our future programs and announcing those very soon.”

Plans will centre on educating and advocating youth empowerment all over the world, with programmes open to those aged 13-25.

The charity’s TV advert was also aired at the event. It features Olympic and Commonwealth diver Hannah Starling and students from Bower Park Academy, Collier Row, where it was filmed.

Eddie Aylett, global leader at the school and WYO trustee, said: “Since joining the education profession in 2000, I have worked in both the private and state sectors. In many schools, especially in areas of low social demographics, opportunities are far and few between.

“I wanted to change that at Bower Park. In order to create a sustainable future for our students we need to invest in education. We are morally responsible for new ventures, ideas and opportunities that will allow our youth to grow and develop.

“I am extremely passionate about education and the WYO vision of opportunities that the charity wishes to promote.