Mission

An innovative, alternative education model using hip hop to educate and empower young people to live sustainably and grow their communities.

Category

Education and Skills

Additional Information

May Project Gardens (MPG) is a grassroots, independent, community organisation co-founded by Ian Solomon-Kawall (aka KMT the Freedom Teacher) who has over 15 years education and music www.3kmt.co.uk. MPG aims to educate and empower communities by providing practical, affordable solutions for sustainable living in urban environments www.mayproject.org The current landscape of obesity, food banks and youth sector cuts has created an increasingly challenging environment for young people and their health. There is a ‘global obesity epidemic’ (Jamie Oliver; 2015), over one million people using foodbanks (Trussell Trust; 2015) and 90% cuts to youth provision (GLA, 2014). Aimed at 18-25 year olds, the ‘Food, Hip Hop and the Green Economy’ course combines education, personal growth and skills development for young people to use music to grow their communities.  Modules include Hip Hop, Diet and Nutrition, Food Growing, Permaculture, Green Economy and Event Management. Hip Hop is ‘peace, love, unity and having fun’ (Afrika Bambaataa). The elements of Hip Hop include DJing, MCing, breakdance, graffiti and beatboxing. Combining music, movement, art and knowledge it allows for both personal and social transformation. This transformational culture can allow the new generation to lead personal growth and social change in their communities. The young people first understand the impact of food on their mind and body. Then they develop an understanding of the social, economic and political context of food and the green economy. Finally, they take action in their communities and spread the word of sustainable living through music.