Write on message: Moss Side youngster's award-winning article

A youngster who joined an image campaign to show the potential of today’s Moss Side has gained national recognition for his work - and a fledgling career in journalism to boot.

Youth worker Kemoy Walker, aged 21, is one of the ambassadors in Manchester City Council's campaign to challenge outdated perceptions of Moss Side.

The experience, combined with his pride in his hometown prompted him to write an impassioned piece on why youngsters should be judged on their potential and not their postcode.

The article was part of a competition run by Inside Housing magazine, a national publication, which invited entrants to talk about where they lived and the impact it had on their lives.

A member of staff from Mosscare Housing saw the competition and mentioned it to Kemoy, who is one of their tenants, and encouraged him to apply.

The result was a heartfelt piece, which asked the country to see Moss Side and its residents through fresh eyes.

Kemoy went on to win the competition and has now been offered a work experience at the magazine next month.

Kemoy said: "I'm glad that people are realising that Moss Side has so much to offer," he says.

"Young people here are have so much talent and such a strong sense of community and they deserve to be acknowledged for that. I've always said that if Moss Side could be assessed like a school by Ofsted, it would be classed as outstanding.

"I'm really looking forward to the work placement and learning new skills which will really benefit my career."

Teyei Chollom, Resident Involvement Officer at Mosscare Housing, said: "I saw the magazine competition and immediately thought of Kemoy - because he has become a voice for the next generation in Moss Side, describing their hopes, aspirations and courage for the future."

Councillor Jim Battle, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "I congratulate Kemoy on his unswerving loyalty and effort to portray Moss Side as it is today - brimming with potential and well-motivated residents.

"Quashing outdated stereotypes is a tall order - but we are making excellent progress and people are starting to question why they make assumptions about Moss Side."

Kemoy is one of ten special ambassadors who have joined an image campaign run by Manchester City Council. The ambassadors, who are spokespeople for the area, will also attend events and work to increase pride in their area.

Other ambassadors in the campaign include peace crusader Erinma Bell, teaching assistant Akeim Mundell, Moss Side Adventure Playground manager Lee-Ann Igbon and Gabrielle Cox, former chair of the Greater Manchester Police Authority.