THE PHOENIX WAY PROJECT
NCA HERITAGE TOURISM & YOUTH TALK SHOW
Introducing the NCA Phoenix Heritage Tourism and Youth Talk Show Project – Empowering the Next Generation of Black Leaders Across Greater Manchester
We are thrilled to launch the NCA Phoenix Heritage Tourism and Youth Talk Show Project—a transformative educational initiative designed to empower and inspire 25 young Black children across Greater Manchester. This exciting programme is completely free of charge, with all expenses fully covered by us.
The project centres around two core components: the Youth Talk Show and Heritage Tourism. Together, these elements provide a unique platform for learning, personal growth, and cultural appreciation.
The Youth Talk Show will take place twice a month, serving as a vibrant space for young participants to share their thoughts, express ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations. A key focus will be on reflections from their heritage tourism experiences, encouraging them to speak about the stories and history they encounter during their site visits. These sessions are designed to build confidence, enhance communication skills, develop critical thinking, and foster a deeper appreciation of their identity and cultural roots.
Complementing this is the Heritage Tourism experience, which will occur during mid-term holidays. Participants will embark on guided tours of historical and culturally significant sites. These enriching excursions are crafted to educate, inspire, and instil a strong sense of pride in their heritage. By experiencing history firsthand, young people will gain valuable insights into the lives and contributions of Black individuals throughout history—past and present—helping them understand their own place within that continuum.
At the heart of this project is our mission to “catch them young” by engaging children in purposeful and empowering activities. We believe that when young people are given meaningful experiences and a platform to express themselves, they are more likely to grow into confident, informed, and well-rounded leaders. By offering the right tools, positive exposure, and guidance, we aim to steer them away from harmful influences and toward a future filled with promise and purpose. As the saying goes, “An idle hand is the devil’s workshop.” This initiative is our way of providing a constructive and inspiring alternative.
Through the NCA Phoenix Heritage Tourism and Youth Talk Show Project, we are planting seeds of self-belief, leadership, and cultural pride. Our goal is to equip our young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to shape their futures and become positive role models in their communities.
Stay tuned for more updates—and don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this remarkable journey.
Signed,
Hon. Dr. Mary Adekugbe
Project Lead
NCA Phoenix Heritage Tourism and Youth Talk Show Project
UK Parliament Visit
The NCA Phoenix HERITAGE TOURISM & Youth TALK SHOW EMPOWERING AND INSPIRING YOUNG BLACK LEADERS
The Phoenix Way Youth Project is a youth engagement and heritage learning initiative delivered by the Nigeria Community Association (NCA) to support children and young people across Greater Manchester. The project is designed to create positive opportunities for young people from Black and racially minoritised communities by providing access to cultural experiences, leadership development, and educational visits that help them build confidence, identity, and aspiration.
With support from the Phoenix Way Children Global Fund, the project has grown into a structured programme that combines heritage tourism, cultural education, and youth leadership activities. Over the past year, the programme has reached approximately 150 children and young people under the age of 18, many of whom come from communities that often face barriers to accessing cultural institutions and enrichment opportunities.
Empowering Young People Through Experience
A central feature of the project is giving young people the opportunity to explore important cultural and civic spaces. Through organised visits and learning sessions, participants gain first-hand experience of institutions that shape society and public life.
Young people involved in the programme have visited locations such as the UK Parliament, the National Football Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and the World Museum in Liverpool. For many participants, these visits were their first opportunity to explore national institutions and major cultural spaces.
These experiences help young people develop a deeper understanding of history, civic participation, and cultural heritage, while also encouraging them to see themselves as active members of society and future community leaders.
Youth Voice and Co-Design
One of the key developments within the project has been the introduction of a youth co-design approach. Rather than adults planning every activity, young people are encouraged to share their ideas and play a role in shaping the programme.
Participants contribute suggestions about the places they would like to visit, the topics they want to explore, and the types of activities that interest them. This approach strengthens engagement and helps young people develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of ownership over the programme.
Cultural Learning and Community Celebration
In addition to educational visits, the project delivers a range of cultural learning activities and community events. These include youth discussions, heritage workshops, exhibitions, and participation in local festivals.
A highlight of the year was the Black History Month youth celebration, organised in partnership with Rochdale Youth Service. The event brought young people together through African food, drumming, storytelling, and dance while also creating space for discussions about culture, identity, and history.
Activities like this help young people explore their heritage while strengthening their sense of pride and belonging within the wider community.
Improving Access Through Community Transport
Transport is often one of the biggest barriers preventing young people from participating in enrichment opportunities. To address this challenge, the project introduced a 17-seater community minibus, which allows the team to safely transport young people to activities, trips, and events across the region.
The minibus has significantly improved access for families who would otherwise struggle with travel, enabling more young people to take part in the programme’s educational and cultural activities.
As participation has grown, larger group visits sometimes require additional transport through hired coaches, demonstrating the increasing demand and interest in the programme.
Supporting Positive Youth Development
The Phoenix Way Youth Project plays an important role in supporting positive youth development and preventing young people from becoming involved in harmful environments. By providing safe spaces, positive peer networks, and trusted mentors, the programme offers constructive alternatives that encourage learning, teamwork, and personal growth.
Through cultural education and discussions about identity and heritage, young people develop stronger self-confidence and a greater sense of belonging. Exposure to civic institutions and leadership opportunities also helps them think more positively about their future and their role within society.
Parents have reported noticeable improvements in confidence, motivation, and engagement among young people who regularly attend programme activities.
Building Confidence and Aspiration
The impact of the project can be seen in the personal journeys of the young people involved. Some participants initially joined the programme feeling shy or uncertain about speaking in group settings. After attending several activities and trips, many begin to participate more actively in discussions, ask questions during visits, and engage with peers more confidently.
For others, the project has opened doors to experiences they had never previously imagined, such as visiting Parliament or exploring museums outside their local area. These opportunities broaden young people’s horizons and encourage them to think about new possibilities for their future.
Looking Ahead
The Nigeria Community Association remains committed to expanding the Phoenix Way Youth Project and continuing to support young people across Greater Manchester. Future plans include strengthening youth leadership pathways, developing peer mentoring opportunities, and building partnerships with schools, youth services, and cultural organisations.
By continuing to provide accessible, culturally responsive programmes, the project aims to ensure that more young people can explore their potential, build confidence, and become active contributors to their communities.
