Mayor of London Boris Johnson meeting with youngsters at Coopers Lane Primary School in Lewisham as part of the 100 Days of Peace initiative

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has given his backing to a peace campaign launched by two mothers whose sons were murdered.

The aim of Margaret Mizen and Grace Idowu’s 100 Days of Peace is to make London’s streets safer for all young people by helping to steer young people away from violence and crime.

Working in partnership with the Kids Company, London Citizens and a collection of charity groups, Youth United, the campaign seeks to support young Londoners in schools, pupil referral units and young offenders so that they develop self-esteem and discipline as well as make positive life choices.

Mr Johnson, whose Team London volunteering programme has awarded funding to 26 projects across London aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour, reducing crime and increasing opportunities for youngsters, is supporting the scheme.

He said: “It’s a modern-day tragedy that so many of our young people are struggling in this city. Often ill-equipped to get a foothold in the jobs market, it is our duty to ensure that they have the necessary life skills to help deter them from falling into a cycle of crime.

“That is why improving our schools, apprenticeships, training and initiatives like the 100 Days of Peaceful Events are so important in helping to prepare young Londoners for a more positive future.”

Mrs Mizen, whose son Jimmy was stabbed to death in 2008, said: “If young people feel that they have a stake in their local community they will feel connected to it.

“If we are to make our city safer for our children, they need to be a part of the conversation. Speaking to them about our experiences and hearing theirs is incredibly valuable.”

Mrs Idowu, whose son David was also killed in 2008, added : “We have shed too many tears over the young people who have lost their way.

“With the right guidance and opportunities, I hope we can help to steer them away crime and towards hope and peace.”

100 Days of Peace will run throughout the summer and is inspired by the truce that was installed before and after the ancient Olympic Games to enable athletes to compete in a safe environment.

The 100 days will culminate in a concert for 1,000 young people at IndigO2 to highlight ‘Release the Peace’.