This pioneering charity fundraising initiative was created and piloted by Year 10 students at Newstead Girls School. 'APOS' unleashes young women's inner talents and creativity whilst giving them an open platform to construct and deliver an annual cultural arts performance to fundraise for local causes. Youth led poetry, fashion, dance and music builds confidence, enhances life skills and inspires enterprise. This pilot school project has taken place in Bromley for the last two years and raised over £3,500 for local charity. The success of the event saw an increased audience, which doubled in size in year 2. 'A Pinch of Spice' is a female focused initiative with a twist in that it is completely 'youth led, which engages young people in raising awareness of youth violence, understanding how smaller charities work, creates responsibility and commitment between young women, celebrates cultural differences, whilst fundraising.

What we'll deliver:

• Arrange an annual cultural event 'A Pinch of Spice' across 3 London Community School
• Provide mentoring sessions
• Provide the resources, such as lighting and sound equipment, for the event

Why it's a great idea:

Young women have devised an innovative fundraising platform using culture, fashion, dance and music to bring together inter-generations, improve community cohesion and develop support networks with businesses and the wider community. We provide young women with the power to work together towards developing and showcasing an annual cultural production, devised by young women, to connect generations and embrace cultural difference and female empowerment. Young women have the opportunity to nurture, encourage and build the confidence of other young females, showcasing inner talent and entrepreneurial opportunities by providing events, marketing and performance training through an innovative education platform to raise awareness and strengthen local communities. APOS provides the freedom of creative ideas, through planning, producing and performances centred around the young women's feelings of cultural pride.

Steps to get it done:

• Provide resources and equipment for all the girls
• Utilising these resources, the girls are guided through the planning and preparation of their event
• Additional mentoring and training sessions are provided, to track their progress and provide support

To read more about 'APOS' follow the link below: http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/youngreporter/15087020.A_Pinch_Of_Spice_2017___Taeh_Camara__Newstead_Wood_School/