The Tribune

YOUNG males in the Wulff Road community visited Her Majesty’s Prison, as part of the “Operation Do Your Part” programme launched by gospel artists Landlord and Christian Massive.

The programme was launched to give young people in the community something positive to do. Through the programme Landlord said, young men are being exposed to the good and bad side of life.
“When we went to the prison some of them broke down in tears because they see exactly what that life is like. It is not a joke. Some of them think it is okay to be bad but they saw during that visit, where that life could end. We also set up a day for them go to the morgue where there will be a lecture. We have to show them the bad side of life first and then the good side,” Landlord said.
In the coming days the children will also spend a day at a hotel, engaging in other wholesome activities.

As a way to attract young people, Landlord also established a game room in the Wulff Road area.
“Kidzone was my brainchild that I formulated approximately two years ago. In the evenings after work I would frequent my childhood hangouts to socialize with my neighbourhood family. Because of my accomplishments in my life I am always viewed as a mentor. Children and adults alike would flock to the area where I was just to hear about my travels around the world to perform my music, to talk to me about their dreams or to just hear a positive word to encourage them and lift their spirits.”

“ I think the major issue in the area is that they have too much free-time to engage in mischief or unlawful activity. They have too much time on their hands. So, why not put that time to some good use. With this thought I decided to open a game room exclusively for the youths. Adults do frequent the spot but, it is totally a kids only area. There are strict rules, no alcohol, no cursing, no smoking. This is a space where they can unwind and relax and call their own. They can play a game of pool and talk to me about the challenges they faced at school that day,” he said.

In the near future, Landlord hopes to do much more to be a ray of light to young people. He said sometimes the only thing some young people need is encouragement to build confidence in themselves and their dreams.

“My sincere passion is to see the youths of my community survive. I want them to be able to one day look back at these days and say I was there once upon a time but now, I am here. I want them to be gainfully employed, to have a family, not just a girlfriend; to have a home and not just renting a room in an apartment. This task is a vital part of my overall objective in life which is to make a difference in the lives of many. I have to give back to the community. It is like apart of my genetic makeup. I know these kids cannot do it alone. If it weren’t for the many individuals that took the time to encourage me, welcome me into their homes, teaching me to love myself and also develop in a God fearing way, I would not be the person I am today,” he said.