Stabbed boys had planned speeches

Hundreds marched in protest against knife crime after Ben's death

Two London teenagers who were stabbed to death 10 days apart had prepared speeches on knife crime for a public speaking challenge.

David Idowu, 14, and Ben Kinsella, 16, were coached by Speakers Bank, which trains teenagers on public speaking.

David was stabbed on 19 June, two days before his speech, and died three weeks later in hospital. A friend took his place on the podium.

Ben was a reserve speaker last year. He was stabbed to death on 29 June.

Although Ben and David never met, they were coached by the same trainer, who was now in "deep, deep shock" at the boys' deaths, said Jez Sweetland, chief executive of Speakers Bank.

Stereotyping

This year 19 teenagers have been killed violently in London.

About 30% of the 20,000 young people from London and Essex trained by Speakers Bank chose to speak on the consequences of knife crime and the stereotyping of youth.

The project, funded by Jack Petchey Foundation, trains teenagers from state schools on communication, body language and public speaking.

Mr Sweetland said both boys decided to speak on knife crime and its consequences and wanted young people to be part of the solution.

'Great courage'

David, from Southwark, was trained by Speakers Bank a few weeks before he was stabbed in Great Dover Street, Borough, on 19 June.

Following the stabbing, David's best friend took his place at the competition.

"It shows a great courage, anger and tears that teenagers feel on the issue of knife crime," Mr Sweetland said.

Ben, from Islington in north London, who was stabbed during a row in York Way, Holloway, was trained by the project last year.

Earlier his family said he had written a moving speech on the consequences of knife crime.

"More and more the media focuses on teenagers being hoodies and crime and this makes young people feel victimised.

"A majority of teenagers are fed up with being stereotyped and want to be part of a solution," Mr Sweetland said.

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