Chairman Sharon Brittan recently visited the new Be The Change Youth Project headquarters in Daubhill ahead of the centre’s grand opening next month.
Charity founder Daniel Sukula guided Sharon through the expanded Deane Church Lane space alongside the project’s local youth leaders, including teenagers Keir Maclaren and Chrispin Rajabu.
The foundation of this project rests heavily on Daniel’s personal history. Arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo as a child, he confronted deportation threats at age 15. Daniel rejected the Home Office mandate to organise an anti-deportation campaign that drew rapid political support from the Bolton public. He channelled this local backing into a career in community work. He secured a BA in Community Development and Youth Studies at the University of Bolton to build the infrastructure for Be The Change.
Sharon addressed this history directly during her visit.
"The infrastructure Daniel has built on Deane Church Lane is outstanding," Sharon stated. "His personal history demonstrates remarkable resilience. We value his background as a vital asset for engaging local young people and showing them a clear path forward."
The move from the Willows Community Centre resolves previous capacity limits. Sharon witnessed first-hand the results of this expansion. She evaluated the heavy-bag boxing gym where adolescents train and checked out the soundproofed professional music recording studio.
The Deane Church Lane building accommodates 150 young people weekly on a timetable that will expand following the official launch.
"We designed this space to offer local teenagers a secure environment where they can access high-end facilities, and Bolton Wanderers backing this project gives the youth of this area a vital connection to the club," he added.
For more information on Be The Change Youth Project, please click here