The Street University is a youth development project created by the Ted Noffs Foundation which provides various community based services and interactive spaces for people aged 12 to 25. Their aim is to help them realise their dreams, harness their potential and to create positive outcomes for their lives and their community.

The Street University’s trained directors, mentors and facilitators use a multifaceted range of youth work, counselling and community development techniques in order to combine progressive approaches to social work with grassroots community participation. 

Kieran described how after the death of Ted Noffs, his wife and son continued his work assisting underprivileged youth. The Wayside Chapel was re-named the Noffs Foundation.

The Street University has residential and day students, attracted initially by their art, music and dance programmes. As they become involved, they gradually acquire skills in production, billing and acquire values and improve their grammar. They have access to counselling for their problems of trauma, addiction or even crime. With no set entry and leaving, they feel free from pressure and develop at their own pace. 

He showed how students progress through the system by Hooks (where they are attracted to join, with hip-hop music and dancing) Brakes (where their needs and abilities are assessed) Cranes (where they gain skills and refine their abilities) and Trains (where they set off on an eventual career)

After the onset of Covid, much more of this is done on-line, with iPhones used as artistic tools. 

In answering questions, Keiran told us how success could be measured as getting off drugs, getting back to  a job, regaining mental health, or becoming part of a family. 

We thank Kieran for this interesting insight into an informal education of disadvantaged youth.