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Be the Change Crawley and Gatwick a roaring success

Published on: 9 Nov 2016
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    Gatwick BtC

    An inspirational programme to help local young people fulfil their potential and improve their life chances was launched with over 100 school students from five local secondary schools on Thursday, November 3 at the Arora Hotel.

    The Be the Change programme has been developed by LoveLocalJobs.com and social enterprise, humanutopia, to help 13 and 14 year-olds bridge the gap between education and employment. Volunteer mentors from the local business community play a pivotal role throughout the programme, providing guidance, support and advice for the young people.

    At the emotional and life changing launch, the students and business volunteers took part in activities that focus on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and employability. The activities were led by humanutopia’s founders, Carlo Missirian and Graham Moore. Both are former teachers who understand the challenges facing young people today.

    Gatwick BtC 1

    Graham said: “Our vision is for every young person to have raised hope and confidence, to have the chance to develop life skills and create positive cycles that will prepare them for life. Be the Change is a perfect vehicle to help young people develop the qualities and qualifications they need for a better future. The volunteers and the invaluable support and belief of local businesses adds a further dimension and depth to the engagement and journey the young people will experience.”

    The schools involved in the programme are: Ifield Community College, Hazelwick School, Holy Trinity Church of England Secondary School, St Wilfrid's Catholic School and Thomas Bennett Community College.

    Carole Lawless, Assistant Head at Thomas Bennett Community College, commented: “Be the Change was really challenging and inspiring for everyone. I would like to have had more of our students involved.”

    Be the Change programmes have been running for the past 12 months in other parts of the country including East Sussex, Coastal West Sussex, Brighton and Leicester.

     

    The idea for Be the Change came from Gary Peters, Founder of LoveLocalJobs.com and Carlo Missirian, Co-founder of humanutopia.  Gary said: “Year 9 is when young people make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives – from where they fit within their peer groups, to what subjects they will study for their GCSEs. Our job is to help them recognise and build on their strengths and to give them the tools, knowledge and confidence to make the right decisions. We’ve seen outstanding outcomes from all Be the Change programmes run to date and we are looking forward to making a positive difference to the young people involved in the Crawley and Gatwick programme. 

    “We have been overwhelmed by the support of the business community and enthusiasm of the volunteer business mentors. Mentoring has been identified as an important way to encourage students to stay engaged with their education and believe that they can have a successful future,” said Gary.

    The Crawley and Gatwick programme is a collaboration between LoveLocalJobs.com and humanutopia with support from NatWest, Crawley Borough Council, The Careers & Enterprise Company, West Sussex County Council, Arora Hotel Gatwick/Crawley, Southern Water, Gatwick Airport, the Crawley Observer and other local businesses.

     “Crawley Borough Council is delighted to support this initiative. I was very pleased to see so many students from the town attending the launch event and hope they were inspired to think about their options for the future and being mentored by volunteers from the local business community.”
    Councillor Peter Smith, Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development

     “It is an absolute pleasure to be able to support Be the Change in the Crawley area.  The planned expansion of the Enterprise Adviser Network in Coast to Capital includes the Gatwick Diamond area and we will be working closely with the schools and colleges in the Crawley borough in order to increase employer engagement activity and connect the local business community with young people in order to help them make informed decisions about their pathway through education and into the world of work.  Be the Change is an excellent example of collaboration between education, business and local authorities in order to strengthen the employability of our young people and our local economy.”
    Georgina Angele, Senior Enterprise Coordinator, Careers & Enterprise Company & Coast to Capital LEP

     “What excellent sessions! Be the Change was really challenging and inspiring for everyone involved. I would like to have had more of our students involved!”
    Carole Lawless, Assistant Head (Wider Leadership Team) Thomas Bennett Community College.

    “Be the Change is a brilliant programme and I can't praise it enough. Thank you!”
    Martin Harris, Managing Director at Metrobus and Business Guide and Founding Partner of GatwickDiamondJobs.com

    'Be the Change was enjoyable because it was not only fun but helpful too. I really enjoyed meeting new people and will be more confident and learn to stand out in the future.'
    Year 9 Student from Ifield Community College

    'After Be the Change, I am going to change my attitude in lessons and also take risks more. Be the Change helps with so many skills you need in life. Thank you!'
    Year 9 student from Thomas Bennett

    “After Be the Change, I will change my attitude to learning. I would recommend it to other people because it was so inspiring!” 
    Year 9 student at St Wilfrid's