Why Black Boys?
EYLA Role Models
There is an endless stream of research on the disadvantage and exclusion experienced by young black men in UK society. We only need quote a sample of the statistics available to demonstrate the pressing need for intervention: -
- The percentage of black children achieving grades A-C at GCSE is
well
below the national average
- Unemployment amongst black African
and Caribbean people is 8% higher than the national average
- Black boys are six times more likely to be excluded from school than their white counterparts
- The Black population of England is 4.6%, yet the percentage of black prisoners is almost 17%. Meanwhile, black students account for just 3% of undergraduates
- In 2004 there were just 6 Black directors working for FTSE 100 companies, 3 more than in 2001
EYLA operates with the belief that the most disruptive pupils can conversely be the most creative and often have innate leadership ability. Early specific intervention amongst such boys may produce holistic citizens able to contribute meaningfully and powerfully to their communities.
As EYLA can only work with a small number of black boys each year our aim is to produce young men who can go on to be role models within the black community.
Our young leaders will provide future generations of young black men with positive alternatives to the negative lifestyle too easily available to all black youths.
We recognise there is a strong case for academies elsewhere in the UK. Aristotle once said that 'one can demonstrate the possible by studying the actual'. We are committed to sharing good practice and the benefit of our experience in establishing other academies as well as training for those in the statutory sector.