Nezrine Hudson Development Co-ordinator/Centre Manager Derby West Indian Community Association Community Cultural Centre Carrington Street Derby DE1 2ND Tel. No. 01332 371529 Fax: 01332 340 998 Email: dwica362@aol.com

The ANNUAL YOUTH CONFERENCE THEME: Young Black Entrepreneurs

Since the inception of our Youth Conference they have endeavoured to address current issues that affect young black people in the community ranging from Underachievement, Education, Health, Drug Misuse, Active Citizenship and Unemployment. Last year we looked at helping young people realise their dreams.

"Whilst our young people are achieving a little better in the Education System they are underachieving in the job market. In discussion with a number of our black youngsters the decision was taken that the theme be YBE’s ‘Young Black Entrepreneurs’ for this year’s conference. The aim being to increase the economic opportunities for African Caribbean young people by encouraging the establishment, growth and success of small owned black businesses. In so doing to promote the self-employment and economic development of the African/Caribbean community in particular."

It is envisaged that young people could capitalise on transferable skills, using music and arts as creative businesses and to make a contribution to their own community and environment.

The day started at 12.00 noon with music and a complimentary lunch courtesy of the event organisors. All delegates were then welcomed by Mr G Mighty. With pleanty of previous experience in hosting annual conferences, Mr Mighty passed the responsibility to the "Young Peoples Panel".

During the day we heard from several guest speakers including Pax Nindi the Arts officer (arts Council England), CDI - Illist Entertainment and Matt Watson from World of Enterprise Ltd.

All of the delegates then broke in to syndicate rooms for individual workshops:
The Workshops Options were:-

1) Making Self Employment Your Dream – Princes Trust (www.princes-trust.org.uk)
2) From Apprenticeship to Entrepreneur – (Transfer your skills) – Rani Gill, Rolls Royce
3) How to start up your own Business (Music, recruitment, printing) – Obe, CDI & Hilda
4) Do I have to leave Derby to Succeed – Matt Watson (World of Enterprise Ltd) Corral Blackwood-Barnes (Project Manager DEBP) & Jackie Whittaker (Personal Adviser - Connexions Derbyshire)
Following the workshops, we took a small break and then each workshop leader gave feedback and a synopsis of their individual session.

The day was brought to a close with a summary made by the "Young People's Panel" and concluded with a grand finale of live entertainment.