The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

Eleven-year-old Ameko Lamm has interviewed NBA player Buddy Hield, handed out motivational wristbands to primary school students and is preparing to distribute 200 hygiene kits this weekend — all while getting ready to enter grade six as head boy.

The Faith Way Christian Academy student has used his YouTube channel, Kidversations with Lil Meko, to spotlight Bahamian personalities, community leaders and high-achieving students while encouraging other children to serve their communities.

He launched the channel after watching his favourite YouTubers and deciding he wanted to create a platform that would encourage young people to make a difference and showcase their talents.

Since then, he has interviewed people including Mr Hield and content creator Vocab Bahamas.

A basketball fan, Ameko said interviewing Mr Hield was a highlight. He said his father saw the NBA player at a restaurant and asked whether his son could interview him.

“He gave my daddy his number,” he told The Tribune. “We went and I interviewed him. We talked about what team line up he would use, and what he would do if he wasn't a basketball player.”

Ameko said he tries to create content that is engaging, wholesome and motivating. But the channel has also forced him to confront his nerves.

“I've won a few speech and poetry competitions,” he said. “However, I'm a little nervous when it comes to speaking to others. So, my YouTube channel is all about interviews, so that helped me overcome myself.”

His work has also moved beyond interviews.

Ameko recently distributed 100 motivational wristbands to students at CW Sawyer Primary School.

On Saturday, he plans to distribute 200 hygiene kits at Emerald Gardens Park at noon.

He said giving back is not about attention, but impact.

“I don't just give back because I can, I do it to see the smiles on other people's faces,” he said. “In the Bible it says be kind to our neighbours. I give back because I know there are less fortunate who may not have as much as others do.”

Asked what superpower he would want to help with his initiatives, he said courage, because that is all it takes to make someone’s day.

Balancing school, extracurricular activities and his YouTube channel has been difficult, but Ameko said his parents’ support has helped him continue even when he fails.

He also said his younger brother motivates him.

“I also have a little brother who's like my mini-manager, so there's someone so small looking up to me,” he said. “There's no way I cannot succeed.”

He hopes to become a meteorologist when he grows up.

His message to other children is to keep pursuing their dreams and remember that God is watching over them.

“You are your biggest motivation, and only you can limit yourself where you want to go,” he said.