Following the violent deaths of their children and experiencing a profound need to bring something good and positive out of something bad, affected families have come together to make a difference.

E tenebris lux. From the darkness (comes) light.

ANDRE | ANDREW | BEN | DAMILOLA | DAVID | JASON | JIMMY
JOHNSON | KIYAN | KODJO | LLOYD | ROB

Kodjo’s Story

30th July 1990 – 14th March 2007 (16 years old when taken)

Kodjo was born on the 30th July 1990 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 1994, his mother L’adjua Lesele brought him to London for a safer environment to raise her child in.

Upon arrival Kodjo could not speak a word of English, but being the bright and hard working pupil he was, he was able to pick it up very quickly and made friends even faster. He always put his education first and was a well mannered, polite and caring son. He played football and was a member of YCTV (Youth Culture Television) which specialised in media production. His time was divided between college, football, studio and family so he was always occupied either learning from or teaching those around him.

Kodjo along with his collective; Ride for Life, were a group of friends who were against violence and in favour of academic and professional success. All members of Ride for Life made it to college, university or were in employment. They aimed to be positive role models to the younger boys and girls who looked up to them.

His ambition was to pursue a career as a Graphic designer and he was studying to achieve his goals at St. Charles Catholic Sixth Form College. Teachers had high expectations for him but unfortunately, Kodjo never managed to make it past college as his life was cut short after a fatal blow to the heart during a fight with a gang of youths. His death came as a shock and a wake up call to the local community. His funeral was testament to his popularity as mourners turned out in the hundreds to celebrate the life of Kodjo Yenga.

Out Of The Darkness Comes Light

Kodjo Yenga Educational Foundation

Kodjo Yenga Educational Foundation was established to help young people to focus on the future. The aim of the trust is to encourage and help the youth achieve better academically and to keep them off the streets. This will be achieved through workshops, seminars and campaigns about issues that matter in the community. Help will be provided to parents whose children have social problems by organising special workshops and events, providing training for families on issues regarding good parenting, behaviour and anger management.

We must all work together to educate and save the lives of kids in our community.

To arrange a visit from a member of Families Utd please contact us via contact us
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