YOUNGSTERS are using their musical talents to raise awareness of hate crime.
Zac’s Youth Bar members, working alongside pupils at Kearsley Academy and St James’ Church of England High School, have collaborated to produce a CD of songs they wrote themselves in a bid to tackle the issue.
After working with a record producer to put together the album, the children held a launch event for the CD at The Vaults, in the Market Place Shopping Centre, on Thursday.
Paul Saxon, of Zac’s Youth Bars, said: “I went into the schools myself to do some work with the young people around the issue of hate crime. I spoke to them about their views on hate crime and educated them about what it means and how people are affected.
“We talked about things like what a stereotype is and about judging people.
“Then, their challenge was to write a song about hate crime issues and record it.
“It was a really interesting experience for everyone.
“We worked hard to narrow the songs down to things that were really relevant to hate crime, because some of them had come up with some great songs that weren’t really connected to the topic.
“And once we had done that, the children were a bit scared of recording them and having their own voices out there.
“It was a challenge, but I am very proud of what they achieved.”
About 60 children, aged between 11 and 18, collaborated on the project and have produced 250 CDs to hand out free in the community.
Zac’s Bar is an independent Christian charity with bases in Farnworth and Kearsley, which offers care and support to young people and provides a meeting place, free from alcohol and other harmful influences.
Mr Saxon added: “Most of them had never done anything like this before, but they have managed to come up with some really catchy jingle-type songs.
“Hopefully these songs will help educate people about hate crime.”
If you would like a copy of the CD, contact Zac’s Youth Bars on 01204 706200.
