Big Brothers and Big Sisters UK has partnered with a new youth project called 'Saved'. The project's aim is to help teenagers stay out of trouble by designing and creating T-Shirts using recycled materials. Project founder Nina Rennie said she wanted to find a way to help people while also helping the environment."There are a lot of youngsters in the area who are getting into trouble with the police, so I set up the project to keep them occupied. I am very interested in eco projects and ethical issues, and I think kids need to be aware of the changes they can make to the environment. I decided to name the project 'Saved' because it is about saving young people and the environment. People should look after the young people in their community to help them stay on the straight and narrow," said Rennie.
T-Shirts are being provided by The Hemp Trading Company, which makes its clothing from natural and recycled materials. Teenagers create designs which are then printed onto t-shirts. "The first workshop we had on May 8 was so successful. The youngsters came up with their own ideas and T-shirt designs. Not all of them are arty though, so we help each of them to find out what they are good at so they can continue with it," said Rennie.
Graffiti artists from The Hemp Trading Company were on hand to help teenagers come up with designs. Support from Zak Waters, an accomplished photographer, as well as players from Saracens Rugby, will also be helping to promote the project.
T-Shirts will be available on The Hemp Trading Company's web site and will be featured in an upcoming exhibition.
(c) Katie Waybill, www.sxc.hu