BANG Edutainment is a youth-focused organisation that values young people, stands for them, and works with them to become community leaders who will build sustainable communities.
We divert vulnerable, at-risk young people away from crime and negative influences by providing targeted support for them and their families through early intervention programmes that reduce their likelihood of engaging in crime and deviance.
Vision
A world in which all young people are valued, thriving, and contributing positively to their communities.
Mission
Partnering to deliver world-class services for children, young people and their communities that develop skills for life and careers; and enable them to achieve individual and collective goals ensuring sustainable positive impact for all stakeholders.
VALUES
Oneness & Interconnection
We recognise that all Life is connected – individually, socially, and environmentally.
We honour diversity while nurturing a shared sense of humanity.
We honour diversity while nurturing a shared sense of humanity.
Youth Power & Leadership
We champion the agency of young people as creative innovators and leaders of change.
Empathy & Relationship
We build relationships rooted in active listening, care and respect each other’s lived experiences.
Equity & Justice
We challenge structural inequalities and centre voices that are often marginalised or excluded.
Creativity & Cultural Identity
We celebrate creative expression and cultural heritage as a force for healing, connection, and empowerment.
Community Co-Production
We design with – not for – our communities, working alongside grassroots leaders, families, and young people.
Integrity & Legacy
We hold ourselves accountable and work for sustainable, intergenerational impact.
Digital Innovation for Social Good
We use technology to expand access, tell our stories, and scale community-led change.
The Team
We are a team of highly driven, open, and transparent individuals who work collaboratively to solve social problems by improving the wellbeing of young people through our youth intervention programmes. We work methodically and creatively across all the projects and programmes we deliver from Create Change to BANG Evolution – focused on sharing our knowledge and expertise throughout the process – ensuring young people benefit and have the capacity to lead.
Jennifer Ogole
Founder & CEO, Rastafari
Jennifer is the visionary at the centre of BANG who believes young people should lead in all areas of an organisation and have the platform to share their interests and aspirations.
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Jennifer has spent her professional life working with young people – beginning as a youth worker in Stonebridge and later continued to raise young people’s ambitions through the establishment of BANG Radio (currently The Beat London) – engaging them in radio broadcasting and media training.
Uke Agwu
Chief Operations Officer
Uke oversees the organisation’s strategic affairs and operations – ensuring BANG deliver its mission and vision.
Osumanu Mohammed
Finance Manager
Osumanu analyses financial data at BANG and advises the team on the funding required to deliver high-impact results.
Derrick Ogole
Head of Digital Strategy & Marketing
Derrick leads the development and implementation of digital strategies at BANG. His data-driven and solution-focused approach provides a strong foundation for the initiatives we deliver.
Justyna Janicka
Head of Programmes
Justyna manages the delivery of all programmes and services at BANG – ensuring the organisation achieves its core aims and objectives in alignment with its values and beliefs.
BOARD MEMBERS
Paul Bragman
Chair of BANG Edutainment
Paul has over 30 years’ experience in community and economic development across the housing, voluntary, and statutory sectors in the UK and overseas. He is a Built Environment Expert (BEE) for the Design Council. He has led projects addressing serious youth violence and has supported the GLA Sport Unites Team, including its Community Engagement Team and the Sport and Serious Youth Violence Steering Group.
Paul is skilled in using Participatory Learning & Action techniques. He also serves as a Big Local Representative for Local Trust, supporting Wormley & Turnford (Hertfordshire), Elthorne Estate (Islington), and Farley Hill (Luton).
Alison Crosland
Alison has extensive experience managing professional services organisations at board and executive committee level. She is particularly interested in applying coaching skills to drive positive cultural change and to build high-performing teams capable of thriving in complex and challenging environments.
She is currently the COO of a specialist commercial barristers’ chambers and was previously Head of Corporate Services at Ofcom. Alison has also served as COO for a city law firm, two start-ups, and an international risk consultancy.
Passionate about enabling others to succeed with the right support, Alison mentors students at her college and co-chairs the Legal Practice Managers Association.
Meera Karavadra
Meera grew up in Leicester and moved to East London after graduating with a BSc in Psychology from Brunel University in 2019. She first volunteered with BANG as an intern in 2018, supporting after-school development programmes for young people.
Meera now works in the healthcare sector as an Account Manager and continues to support BANG as a board member, focusing on creating opportunities and positive outcomes for young people in the borough of Brent.
Natalie Roberts
Natalie is an accomplished compliance professional with over nine years of progressive experience in both domestic and international compliance. She is a strong leader with a proven track record of delivering results through effective strategic planning and project management. Her sector experience spans prepaid cards, fintech, banking, e-money institutions, and payment services.
James Pearson
James was selected from over 3,000 applicants to join the year-long BBC Production Apprenticeship Scheme. A self-starter, he has gained experience across drama, features, and high-end television, with strong expertise in documentaries, music, and high-profile live events. He has particular interests in politics, history, and cinema.
