Man felt normal until 'life-changing' moment at school

A man felt like a normal teenager until a “life-changing moment” at school.

Manoka Mbolokele, from Kensington, was in his final year of school when something changed his perspective. Speaking to the ECHO, Manoka, now 25, said: “I was in year 11. I wasn't doing much. I was just a normal teenager, playing video games and football. I was just a normal teenage kid.

“I've always been interested in the arts. I always enjoyed going to the Empire, going to the Playhouse. I've always enjoyed the arts. It always helps me to either confront or escape the problems I'm going through in my life.”

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It was while he was in year 11 that 20 Stories High visited his school. The organisation, based in Toxteth, promotes opportunities in the arts to young working-class people.

The organisation were promoting a show called Black, and after working with Manoka, believed he’d be a good fit for their youth theatre.

Manoka said: “It's me prepared for the transition from a teenager to young adult. In youth theatre, it allowed me to work on my skills such as communication and presentations.

“Now I’m on the board of trustees, it’s allowed me to work with very skilled individuals and see leadership from a board point of view. That’s helped me with my current job working in the wealth management and investment sector.”

Manoka believes getting involved with the organisation was a "life-changing" moment for him. However, he is worried others like him may not get these experiences.

20 Stories High is reliant on funding from government organisations and charities. Manoka believes that arts groups have suffered during years of government austerity.

He said: “We’ve seen young people who went onto become accounts, lawyers, accountants and dentists. There’s a lot of benefits to being part of something like this. It would pain me to see it taken away.

“Organisations across the country are losing funding. They’re forced to charge entry or close their doors. I want to ensure 20 Stories’ services remain constant and free in Liverpool because it is needed.

“The arts sector is quite middle-class. It's hard for people like me who come from working-class backgrounds to pay fees. 20 Stories is vital to provide services for everyone.”

Manoka has taken part in fundraisers for the organisation previously, including cycling around the whole of Liverpool in 2018. Now, he is preparing to climb the three highest peaks in Yorkshire in 12 hours this Saturday.

Manoka has raised over £1,500 via the fundraiser for the organisation, which he says will go towards ensuring its services remain free to access. He said: “I've climbed mountains before, but I've never done a relay-type marathon. You have to find a way to keep up with the leader's pace while making your own.

“If you don't, you're taken off the challenge. But I kind of like that, a beat the clock type challenge will be great.

“I made a promise to specifically fundraise to ensure young people in Liverpool have the same experiences that I've had.”

With Manoka’s time on the board of trustees coming to an end, he wants to ensure he leaves 20 Stories High with a record to be proud of. He said: “I was looking at problems 25 year-olds are facing.

“I'm fortunate not to face these problems. Most young people in Gen-Z are focused on getting a job, getting a degree and knowing your purpose in life. Thanks to 20 Stories and their resources, as a 25-year-old from Liverpool Kensington, I can safely say I know who I am.

“I know where I came from, and I know what my vision is for the future. It's like my final chapter in a nine year journey. I want my legacy to be someone who’s put the companies' needs above their own.”

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