Steven Oram wants to celebrate young people’s talents

Proud and Gifted is a small not-for-profit organisation which showcases young people from diverse backgrounds who have achieved remarkable things at a young age.
We do this by awarding them a certificate and medal and by sharing their stories. Our special awards programme ‘Celebrating Young People’s Achievement’ was created as a response to the negative media coverage often given to young people.
Because we cannot avoid hearing about the growing number of gang and knife crime incidents in the UK, particularly in London, it makes it difficult to notice the young people who are working hard to secure a positive and successful future for themselves.
When I founded Proud and Gifted I decided to take a different approach by travelling around the country, acknowledging the success stories of young people from age nine to 25 years, awarding them certificates and medals and using social media to promote their achievements. The greatest feeling is seeing their faces light up – knowing that a seemingly small gesture can make such a huge difference is priceless!
I became an ‘appropriate adult’ in 2011, assisting and supporting juveniles and vulnerable people interviewed under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. The most rewarding part of this work is assisting someone in need during a difficult situation, watching as their look of hopelessness and desperation changes when they see that someone cares about them, no matter what they have been accused of.
It is important for adults to be as loud about youth excellence as they are about their failures, by reminding them they have a unique gift. We are all taught that with hard work and determination we can succeed, no matter the obstacles.
This platform is about encouraging young people to dare to dream and not be afraid to pursue those dreams enthusiastically.
For more information about Proud and Gifted: Email [email protected] Tweet @proudandgifted
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly or annually
More Information about donations
Drift Boss is a fun and addictive game, perfect. Easy to play and pick up, but challenging enough to keep you wanting more.
Stay informed and engaged with Lotus365 a platform designed for sports enthusiasts across the country. From cricket matches to kabaddi events, it brings real-time updates to your screen. The platform’s secure and intuitive design makes it easy for fans to navigate. Unlock features and promotions that enhance your experience every step of the way. Millions trust its reliability and quality for their sports needs. Explore Lotus365 today and enjoy nonstop action.
Discover a trusted platform with winbuzz offering simplicity and innovation to its users. The sleek interface allows for smooth navigation across all features. Privacy is safeguarded with strong measures protecting personal data. Responsibility is emphasized, ensuring an ethical and balanced environment for users. Support services are always ready to assist with any issues. It’s a platform designed for excellence.