Record

RepositoryArchives
Reference NumberS/PYO
LevelFonds
TitleRecords of the Progressive Youth Organisation
Date(s)1992-2005
DescriptionMainly reports, event and meeting papers mainly kept by Akkas Miah [who later changed name to Mayar Akash] who worked at the Progressive Youth Organisation.

They cover issues affecting young people especially Bengali youth at grass roots level in Whitechapel and surrounding area. These include papers relating to youth trips, drugs and sexual health and later papers concerning relations with the police.
Extent15 files
CategoryMeeting papers
FormatPaper
AdminHistoryThe Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) was an youth agency which emerged in response to 'the need to physically defend the community against racists attacks of the National Front' (Source: Annual Report 1984-85, reference LC984). Its roots began in 1973 with the United Welfare Organisation, an educational and cultural organisation. Founded by young people supported by community leader Jaffar Khan, formed at his home in Castle House, Castle Street.

The PYO was formally established in 1979. The name Progressive Youth Organisation was later chosen:
'We chose the name because we are changing the system from one system to another in progressive manner' (quotation from Mr. Mohammed Abdus Salam). The first base was at the Montefiore Community Education Centre, Deal Street and Hanbury Street where staff activities included campaigning against racism and against police harassment.

The main objective was 'to provide facilities and to educate young people, to help them develop awareness of themselves and of the wider issues which effect their lives, such as racism, health, education, housing and employment' (Source: Annual Report 1984-85, reference LC984). Their work with young in the local Whitechapel area meant a natural focus on the local Bengali community. This included educational activities, trips and exchanges with other countries, opening up themes with young people around responsibility, new ideas and new aspirations. The advisory service focused on local youth and the local people. The organisation ran youth clubs, employed youth workers and organised teams and outreach work around issues including drugs.

Funding originally came from Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) Youth Service budget and from Greater London Council. Later the PYO was funded by the local authority and charitable organisations.

The organisation later moved to The Davenant Centre, 179-181 Whitechapel Road after 1985. The original PYO was disbanded after it was handed over to other subsequent youth groups.

Sources include: Mr. Mohammed Abdus Salam interview, 2006
Swadhinata Trust available on https://www.swadhinata.org.uk (accessed June 2022).
CustodialHistoryThese documents were originally from the agency.
RelatedMaterialThe Local History Library holds annual reports, 1983-1990, reference LC984, class 360.1 Box 3.

See also archive references: I/AVU/A/11/4, I/SPP/4/6/21 and I/SPP/4/6/25.
NotesCatalogued by Richard Wiltshire, Archives Manager, 29 June 2022
SubjectWhitechapel
Bengalis
Police
Drug abuse
Youth clubs
Youth organisations
Youth
Access StatusOpen
AccessConditionsSome material within this collection has been closed under current Data Protection legislation as the records concerned contain sensitive personal data. Please check specific item level descriptions for details, and refer any queries to the Heritage Officer (Archives).
RequestNO - This does not represent a physical document. Please click on the reference number and view list of records to find material available to order at file or item level.
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