THE STORY OF KIDS ON THE GREEN
SUPPORTING CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE GRENFELL FIRE.
Supporting the wellbeing and creativity of young people in West London
KOTG started after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, helping young people of the North Kensington community cope with the aftermath of this tragedy. It began under a tree with a football and some simple activities and grew over five years, becoming a vital resource when official services struggled. In 2018, KOTG became part of the emergency response, later moving into their premises in 2019.
KOTG provides young people with therapy, as well as music, circus skills, and media programs; It helps young people share their stories, redefining how people see Grenfell’s impact on the community as a whole. Their facilities, including a music studio, digital radio station, podcast room, and DJ skills suite, expanded in August 2023 to include our fully equipped edit suite.
HOW WE GOT INVOLVED
Opening the stage doors of broadcasting to the young people of KOTG
Four years ago, Nick began documenting KOTGs performances and daily activities. After capturing festivals, community events, and creating music videos, he initiated a new project within the centre: KOTG TV.
Inspired by KOTG radio, led by and for the young people of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), Nick enlisted help from broadcast professionals to teach young people how to manage their podcasts and live shows.
Nick’s commitment has resulted in employment opportunities, with some securing internships and freelance work, notably at Google.
PRODUCING ORIGINAL CONTENT
KOTG TV: CREATING A TV STATION RUN BY THEM AND FOR THEM
Friday Night Live & Talent Showcase
In April 2023, KOTG TV produced its very first live show streamed on social media: Friday Night Live. Hosted and produced by our trainees, the first episode involved 46 crew members and talents, which included 19 young people from KOTG and seasoned broadcast professionals.
Hosts Anika & Behkam got to interview singing sensation Mabel, as well as Darius Ellington Forde from Ill Blu, in front of a live studio audience.
The idea to bring an entire TV studio to a small community centre seemed a bit mad at first. We ran into a lot of technical problems due to the building’s old infrastructure, but despite power cuts and delays, everyone stuck to their tasks and made the show happen.
In October, we produced a second show and are planning more for 2024 – Watch this space!
TRUSTED INDUSTRY PARTNERS
COLLABORATING WITH A TALENTED NETWORK OF THINKERS AND MAKERS, GLOBALLY
Each one teach one
We’ve received support not only from broadcast facilities companies but also from freelance professionals who conducted workshops and training sessions.
Sound Engineer Jojo Taylor led several sound workshops, including location sound recording, and Camera Operator Nathan Ashong provided hands-on camera training. Lighting Director Duncan Elsam, along with his lighting team, have contributed to most of our large projects for KOTG.
Stomping is grateful to every person and organisation that has helped develop KOTG TV. We look forward to forging new partnerships and offering more opportunities to our young people in the future!
