Smart Students in the fast lane
Posted: 9th May 2012
Two Studio Six students, Giovanna Laryea and Kofi Bonoah, spent last Saturday morning talking to shoppers in and around the Centre:mk to see if ‘safety’ was a widespread concern for the residents of Milton Keynes.
The need to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and the problem of anti-social behaviour was identified as the number one priority for students at Milton Keynes Academy and later endorsed by over 300 representatives from a range of faith and community groups at the recent citizens:mk assembly.
Saturday’s action saw representatives from citizens:mk asking residents of Milton Keynes if safety was an issue that worried them. Giovanna and Kofi spoke to many people: the majority of people were very enthusiastic about living in Milton Keynes but a large proportion had either suffered personally or who knew people who had suffered from anti-social behaviour. Kofi spoke to one elderly woman who was happy to live on her estate but would not consider going out after dark; this meant that in the winter she was effectively a prisoner in her own home from early afternoon onwards.
Following the completion of citizen:mk’s listening campaign, the views of Milton Keynes will be reflected back to local political leaders. Milton Keynes Academy students will have the opportunity to share their findings.
