Why do kids have a hard time getting jobs? Why do some resort to drug dealing? A new locally produced documentary goes to the source — teens themselves — to explore that question.
Local teens not only appear in the movie — they made it. “Help Wanted: A Look at Youth Unemployment in New Haven” is the latest offering from Youth Rights Media. The 20-minute video was screened Thursday night at the Off Broadway Theatre.
The video combines video graphics, interviews and music all created and packaged by the youth involved.
To add to the presentation, poetry was recited. Click play on the clip to hear Rafael Morales tell a story of how hard it is for people who were once arrested to get a job.
The documentary focuses on the stories of Anthony Reid and Tonya Whitley. Both told of experiences drug dealing and how they got into it. Whitley said she started at age 8 because she needed money for her mother and six siblings. School career counselors and community members were interviewed for the piece as well.
One theme in the video was that young people should be trained and counseled instead of locked up. Statistics were presented that revealed Connecticut spends $86.8 million a year incarcerating residents from New Haven and only $472,500 on youth jobs.The film also argued that it costs $514,000 to incarcerate one youth for one year at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School.
“Instead of detaining them we could give them training,” said William Villano of Workforce Alliance.
Miya Brooks, pictured reciting a poem, said that working with Youth Rights Media is “motivating.” “It not only teaches us how to use a camera and how to edit, but it also teaches us communication,” she said. “Like how to speak in front of a crowd.”
This year was the fifth anniversary of Youth Rights Media. The group plans to tour the city schools, show the video and educate about what the youth of New Haven need.
The tight-knit group showed how important it is for young people to have something to do with their extra time. As a result of Youth Rights Media, they all had a place to go after school and a way to see life beyond what they already knew. “It opens your eyes,” said Reid. “It expands your mind.”
“Youth Rights Media helps in the community,” said Cheyfaun Bryant, pictured on the right, a 15-year old who goes to Wilbur Cross and the Educational Center for the Arts. “It gives a voice to teens which we didn’t have.”
Bryant said that beyond learning tools and working on youth issues she was glad to have met the people in Youth Rights Media. “These people are my family,” she said, beginning to tear up. “They’ll always be there for me.”
A group hug instantaneouly formed; a reminder of how important it is for both the young and old to trust and love those around them.