The David Idowu Foundation was awarded a grant by the Bermondsey Square Community Fund to hold their annual Peace Day event in Bermondsey Square for young people.
The David Idowu Foundation was founded in the loving memory of David Olawale Idowu who was stabbed in a park in front of his home in 2008. David sadly died 20 days later. The only reason David was targeted was because of his school. The Foundation was set up by David’s parents Grace and Tim Idowu who now work with families and young people educating them on the dangers of knife and gun crime and the consequences of negative behaviours.
The David Idowu Foundation organises Peace Day events with stalls, music and speeches on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of David’s death each year. Special guests have included the mayor of Southwark Cllr Althea Smith, Richard Taylor, Sally Knox, Barry and Margaret Mizen and many more inspirational speakers who work to help promote peace and unity in our communities.
Representatives of the David Idowu choir, which was founded in 2011 in David’s memory, are also regulars at the events. The choir has recently enjoyed critical acclaim at the Music for Youth Festival in Birmingham.
Peace Day 2013
The Peace Day event in Bermondsey Square celebrated the majority of young people in Southwark who are engaged in positive activities. The day provides an opportunity to give these young people a platform to perform and act as positive role models to others.
The activities on the day included sport, music and other entertainment. The event was also attended by local voluntary organisations who work with young people who are in danger of drifting into gang related crime or have already been a victim or perpetrator.
The Peace Day event in 2013 was well attended by over 500 people with families and young people coming together in a cohesive environment in love and peace.
The event helped form a better partnership between community organisations that work with families and young people. It also provided ways for young people can get their voice heard and promoted peace and safety in the community.
About Bermondsey Square Community Fund
The Bermondsey Square Trust collects money from the occupiers and owners of Bermondsey Square through the occupiers’ leases and grants awards for ‘The marketing animation and promotion of the Bermondsey Square Estate and making a positive contribution to the wider neighbourhood and community of Bermondsey.’
About the Community Fund
