KORI is a youth-centred charity founded in 2002 by African and Caribbean Community Artists. Our mission is to support young people in thriving and contributing to their worlds. For over two decades, we have engaged with more than 15,000 predominantly black and minority ethnic young people. We work to with those aged 11-25 years who are struggling within education, training, or employment; looked after or young carers, young parents, refugees or new migrants and those facing adverse social, emotional mental health and economic disadvantage.
Our key outcomes for young people are:
1. Enhanced wellbeing
2. Good communication skills
3. Strengthened social networks
4. Strong sense of direction
5. Increased cultural capital
6. Environmental Education
Programmes:
1. Not My Label: This programme supports young people from referral into KORI, fostering the needed comfort and belonging. It involves comprehensive assessments, access to counselling, well-being training, creative workshops, cultural activities, residentials, city trips, and advocacy. Not My Label enables a young person to build relationships with other members as they access services, activities, and KORI’s other programmes.
Case study: 18-year-old Jason has parents who have long term mental health challenges, he was referred to KORI at 17 by a Targeted Youth Team. He joined the weekly youth hub and through encouragement and support eventually became a strong voice for others, soon taking the role of advocaIng at his college so other students could access similar support.
2. Blooming Minds: Focused on building and establishing pathways into education, training, work, internships, and apprenticeships. Opportunities are tailored for each individual through access to industry mentoring and career labs in partnership with organisations like Mott Macdonald, Akamai Technology and Motive Productions.
Case study: Jonathan started with us at 19, he was struggling academically and shared that family expectations were making him feel like a failure. He was placed with an industry mentor who supported him in accessing a three-year plumbing apprenticeship.
3. The Vessel UK: Since 2004, this program has facilitated global learning, connecting UK youth with peers in Africa. Participants gain international project delivery experience, leadership skills, and global awareness. Collaborations include projects in Tanzania, Kenya, The Gambia, and Namibia, with notable partnerships such as with the University of West England (UWE) and the Daneford Trust.
Case Study: Kervarnie Tashay White is a 16-year-old student from Friern Barnet School who took part in a Vessel UK leadership project to The Gambia. As a talented rapper he researched and delivered a project on UK youth music to 18 young Gambians and collaborated with another artist to record a music video. After the project he reflected: ‘I learned that I am talented and producIve, I am a problem solver, and I have perseverance. I have achieved by far the most I have ever achieved in such a short period in my life.
