Help Find Our Young Scot 2008

Jan 6 2008 By Heather Greenaway

Special Report Our First Award Winner Helps Shanty Town Kids We Launch Hunt For The Inspirational Young Scots Making A Difference

YOUNG Scot champ Nifraz Raheem is teaching the kids of South Africa's shanty towns how to make movies.

The 19-year-old spent a month in Khayelitsha squatters' camp, near Cape Town, with relief organisation Spirit Aid.

Wherever he went, Nifraz and his video camera were followed by dozens of homeless orphans enthralled at the prospect of him making a film about their lives.

The talented film-maker honed his skills helping Scots youngsters make issue-based documentaries as part of Spirit Aid's Shooters project.

He now hopes to return to South Africa when he finishes his TV and media course at Glasgow's Metropolitan college in June.

Nifraz said: "I first visited Khayelitsha in May last year to make a film for Spirit Aid and I was so taken with the children I decided to go back for a month in August and help them make movies about their lives.

"Going into the shanty towns for the first time was something I'll never forget. The families have nothing.

"They live in tiny ramshackle shacks with no running water, electricity or sanitation.

"They sleep on beds made from asbestos and earn a living scavenging on rubbish tips. But they are always happy and welcomed me and the other volunteers with open arms. It is a very special place."

Khayelitsha is the biggest shanty town in Cape Town and a third of the population is HIV positive.

Sri-Lankan born Nifraz, of Battlefield, Glasgow, said: "It is important to help the children understand about good sexual health. They made films about how to protect themselves.

"Film-making is a good way of keeping kids off the streets and relieving their boredom with something other than drugs. They are more likely to listen to the message when it comes from their peers."

The Spirit Aid charity, founded by Scots actor David Hayman, have been working in Khayelitsha for the last couple of years. They have set up a soup kitchen, medical clinic, creche and youth centre.

Nifraz said: "David decided to help out in the townships after filming Avenger there a few years ago.

"The youth centre is made out of a ship that was used on the set and more than 100 children use it.

"I helped develop a programme for it and we held events like X Factor and took the kids on trips.

"Before I left, the youngsters set up a committee and now run the youth centre themselves. It was ace to see the place flourish.

"I hope to return next year and help them make more educational documentaries."Nifraz is also helping us launch our search for the Sunday Mail Young Scot of 2008.

He won the title in 2006 for helping more than 200 asylum seekers settle in at his old school, All Saints Secondary in Glasgow.

His work saw him become the first Muslim crowned school captain. The Young Scot Awards - in partnership with youth information charity Young Scot and Lloyds TSB Scotland - celebrate the achievements of ordinary young people.

We want you to nominate youngsters aged 12 to 22, who help their neighbourhoods, start a business or achieve great things in the arts, sport or volunteering.

There will be a winner in each of the 13 different categories and one will be crowned our over all Young Scot.

Last year's champ was Kelly Ross, 21, of Dumfries, who received her award from Nifraz and comic Elaine C.

Smith for her work supporting disadvantaged youngsters.

She said: "I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd receive an award. It was an amazing feeling."

Susan Rice, chief executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland, said: "Many of us know truly remarkable young people. The awards give some of them the recognition they deserve."

Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, added: "We hope to see nominations come flooding in."

Our winners will be named at a star-studded ceremony on Thursday, March 20 at Glasgow City Halls.

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h.greenaway@sundaymail.co.uk