Empowering Youth to Break the Cycle of Crime

A Journey from Struggle to Leadership

After relocating to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2022, DJ Mudziviri found himself in a challenging environment. He admits that he initially "hung around with the wrong groups" and engaged in activities he now regrets. However, three years later, he has transformed his life and is now working to guide others away from crime, drugs, and gang violence. He describes his past lifestyle as "horrific" and is committed to helping young people avoid similar pitfalls.

In the summer of 2024, at just 18 years old, DJ founded Better Youth UK, an organization aimed at providing teenagers with limited opportunities a chance to earn money legally. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. DJ recently received a community champion award from the Eastern Education Group, which operates Suffolk One, where he is currently studying health and social care.

"It felt amazing and it was a very happy moment for me," DJ shared. "I was jumping and me and the family celebrated. I was really happy because people hadn't seen that side of me because they had a bad interpretation of me, so I am very, very grateful."

Supporting Young People Through Outreach

DJ and his team focus on identifying young people who may need support through their outreach program. They visit cities across the region to connect with those in need. Once identified, DJ offers them an opportunity to change their path.

"I ask them, 'If you were to make the same amount of money you're making illegally, legally, would you choose the legal way?' and they always say 'yes'," he explained. "They want money quick, but they don't know who to reach out to in order to make a legal income. We actually help young people and give them more opportunities to express themselves."

Those who accept DJ's offer are tasked with selling the Better Youth UK magazine. Each copy costs £10, with £6 going to the person who sells it. The remaining £4 is used to fund more outreach programs and workshops.

Empowering Through Education and Support

In addition to selling the magazine, DJ and his team provide mental health support and hold monthly workshops to inspire people to start their own businesses. They have successfully helped a young woman become a hairdresser and another start her own nail business.

"Whilst out working, they are working for themselves," said DJ. "The benefit is they are not looking behind their back for the police trying to nick them or the competition that might steal their products. They can work without fear of harm or prosecution."

A Personal Mission

DJ, who moved to the UK with his proud mother Anna, started the organization using a significant portion of his own money. He was determined to give the younger generation a way out of the struggles he faced.

"I was having sleepless nights trying to design the website," he admitted. "But I set it up because I didn't want other young people to go through [what I had]—because the things I saw were very horrific."

Looking Ahead

Following the success of Better Youth UK's first award-winning year, DJ is now looking towards the future. He plans to expand the organization by entering schools and holding talks. He believes that young people are more likely to listen to real-life stories from individuals who have experienced similar challenges.

"I am not the solution, but I am part of the solution to help reduce these issues among young people," DJ said. His journey from struggle to leadership serves as an inspiring example of how one individual can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.