The borough’s first youth awards celebrated young people making a positive contribution to Croydon
If there’s one thing young people in Croydon are tired of hearing, it’s that growing up in the borough is all about crime and danger.
While spikes in violence over the years have constantly thrust Croydon into the spotlight for the wrong reasons, it overshadows the amazing work and creativity of the vast majority of young people who do the area proud.
To recognise this fact, the inaugural Croydon Youth Awards was launched last week, with the positive contribution of young people made centre stage as the borough’s “greatest strength”.
Winners at the awards said they want to change perceptions, arguing that growing up in Croydon offers opportunity, diversity and community, rather than the crime and violence that often dominate headlines.
“There are a lot of good people and youngsters in Croydon, we are just not seen enough,” said Croydon College student and nominee Tanisha Khan.
Held at Fairfield Halls on June 25, the Croydon Youth Awards brought together schools, colleges and community groups to celebrate young people aged 11 to 25 across a range of fields. The student-led event was organised by Croydon College with support from numerous local charities and organisations, including headline sponsor Croydon Drop In.
The awards recognised environmental stewardship, digital impact, sport and wellbeing, innovation and enterprise, academic excellence, musical talent, community impact, personal growth, resilience and inspiration, kindness and inclusion, creative expression, and young leadership.
One of the winners, Naimah Khan, said the awards were important because “others need to know that there are people out there making [Croydon] better”. Naimah, a British Sign Language and AAC communication user, won the Personal Growth and New Beginnings Award for promoting inclusion by encouraging staff and peers at Croydon College to engage with different forms of communication.
She said that growing up in Croydon had played a positive role in her development, adding: “Croydon has given independence.”
She also said that she feels safe in the area, and that “it’s getting safer”.
Before the event, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) asked Croydon College students for their views on growing up in the borough. Tanisha, who was nominated for the Community Impact Award, felt her area was often misunderstood by outsiders.
“People think, especially round here in East Croydon, it is just where stabbings happen, but we are also very expressive with our culture,” she said. “We can actually connect with one another despite how different we all are. I want people to see how loud we can be, in a good way.”
Fellow student Em Farley-Sales agreed, saying: “I think the smaller minority often misrepresents the larger majority. Having an award that is focused on our youth will help get rid of those stereotypes and show that this is not just where crime happens.”
The students and staff at Croydon College — one of the largest further and higher education providers in London and the South East — also believe one of Croydon’s strengths lies in its diversity. College student and opera singer Olivia Powell told the LDRS that in Croydon “you get lots of people coming from different places”.
“It’s just good to be surrounded by those people and experience those different things,” she added. Fellow student Ras Kassa also praised how welcoming the area and college had been to him.
“I didn’t even grow up around here,” he said. “Since coming to Croydon College, they have accepted me like a family. You feel included.”
Em agreed that community was the best thing about growing up in Croydon. They said: “Nowhere else in the country have I been that has such a strong sense of community and unity with its neighbours than in Croydon.”
The event was hosted by Croydon community activist and leader of the Majestic Youth programme Anthony King. The night featured performances from artists, including opera from Olivia, as well as a speech from Croydon Mayor Jason Perry.
Following the event, Croydon Drop In CEO Shaun Polley said: “Croydon is a vibrant and diverse community, and its young people are its greatest strength. These awards shine a light on the inspiring achievements, talent, and determination of the next generation.
“We are proud to stand alongside this event because we value the young people of Croydon and are committed to investing in their future. Celebrating young people’s success not only recognises their hard work, but also inspires others to follow in their footsteps.”
Caireen Mitchell, the Croydon College group Principal and CEO, told the LDRS: “What makes these awards so special is that they are led by young people themselves – reflecting their voices, their priorities and their vision for the future. From acts of leadership and creativity to quiet determination and community spirit, each story we recognise speaks to the power and potential of the next generation.
“At a time when we must challenge negative perceptions and celebrate what truly defines Croydon, these awards play an essential role. They remind us that our young people are not just the future – they are already shaping our communities today with courage, ambition and integrity.”
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