MK College tackles subject of knife crime through theatre
It follows the death of Ahmednur Nuur earlier this year
Students at Milton Keynes College have been putting on a performance to raise awareness around knife crime in the city.
The performance is part of a month of action against violence which kicked off at the beginning of December with the instalment of the knife angel outside Stadium MK.
The 30-minute performance has been devised by the students and focuses on the ripple effect of knife crime on a community.
Follows the death of Ahmednur Nuur
'Broken: The Sad Truth of Knife Crime' follows the death of 16-year-old Ahmednur Nuur outside the college earlier this year.
Ahmednur was stabbed in the back by 18-year-old Justice Will-Mamah - who he had never met - near the college on 11 February.
Will-Mamah was later sentenced to manslaughter.
"It is worrying to me"
According to the students taking part in the performance, knife crime is a concern.
Performing Arts student Millie said: "You don't know who is around you and, as a female, you have to be aware of your surroundings all of the time. Just because of how serious knife crime is and how high the rates are, it is worrying to me."
Fellow actor Logan agreed: "It affects everyone. Even if one person gets stabbed, it creates a massive chain and anyone can be affected. From anyone that has to try to save their life to anyone who knew them personally. It creates a giant ripple throughout the community."
"Education plays a huge part"
As well as working with each other, the students at the college also worked with members of Thames Valley Police (TVP) to understand the subject matter.
Local neighbourhood officer PC Nina Earls was one of those who gave the students an insight into knife crime.
She said: "I have seen first-hand the impact that knife crime has on individuals, their families and their friends, so I was passionate about working with MK College on this project as part of the month of action against violence in the city.
“Education plays a huge part in preventing knife crime in the long-term but is by no means the only solution. We know that young people are disproportionately affected by violence and the students here have been able to use their own perspectives and ideas to creatively deliver these serious anti-violence messages to others in their age group who may be involved in knife crime or are on the fringes of criminality."
"We're very proud"
Performing Arts Course Team Leader Colin Bloxham concluded: "It’s an issue that many of our learners have been directly or indirectly affected by and they’ve done an amazing job in taking the theme and weaving it into this emotive and impactful performance piece.
"We’re very proud of our students for taking part in this incredibly important moment for our city.”