City Year Greater Manchester officially launched yesterday evening (14th October 2015) at a special event kindly hosted by KPMG.
The charity challenged local young people to volunteer to go back to school for a year to help tackle educational inequality in Manchester and Salford. At the same time, the 18-25 year olds will be given new skills and opportunities to improve their own career prospects. 

25 young people have already signed up, starting their ‘year of service’ as near-peer role models, mentors and tutors in four primary and secondary schools with a high proportion of pupils from low income backgrounds. 

 The volunteers (known as corps members) spend Monday to Thursday supporting pupils in and out of the classroom, while Fridays are dedicated to their personal and professional development with a training and careers programme, run in conjunction with the charity’s supporters.

Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council praised the example and inspiration of corps members and called for businesses to get alongside them and the programme. He said: “This region has so much to offer; we’re home to businesses at the forefront of technology, science and the creative industries, but to thrive and grow, these businesses need to help create and connect with a pipeline of local young talent. 

“What’s exciting about City Year Greater Manchester is that by tapping into the desire of young people to make a difference, it not only helps pupils do better at school, but it gives its young volunteers the skills employers are crying out for. Businesses can play their part; providing mentors, running skills workshops and offering work shadowing to open young people’s eyes to the world class opportunities on offer, here in Greater Manchester.”

 Nicola Doward, Headteacher at launch partner, Stretford High School, who spoke at the event, said: “Since we were joined by our team of City Year volunteers we have all been infected by their enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude. They’ve been with us for just six weeks but have already made their mark on the whole school and individual students.”

 One of the young individuals who has dedicated the next year to City Year Greater Manchester and who also told her story during the evening, is Rezia, 18, from near Oldham. She says: “I joined City Year because I wanted to do something for students struggling at school. When I was a student I had some behavioural issues which left me isolated from teachers who labelled me a time waster and problem child. I felt like everyone was against me but there were some teachers who believed in me and gave me a second chance. They made me the person I am now. I believe that through City Year, I can be that support for students in a similar situation and show them they are not alone.”

 Drawn from diverse backgrounds, the 18-25 year olds who’ve joined City Year Greater Manchester are part of a movement, that’s not just growing across the UK, but across three continents. Built on the belief that young people can change the world, it started in America in 1988 and has the backing of both former President Clinton and President Obama. In 2005 it expanded to South Africa with the support of Nelson Mandela and in 2010 City Year London launched, becoming City Year UK following its growth to Birmingham in 2013.

 Sophie Livingstone, Chief Executive of City Year UK said: “We are thrilled to be launching City Year Greater Manchester. This region’s young people have the energy, talent and determination to create profound change in their local community. What they won’t fully realise until next summer, is how life-changing giving a year will be for them as well.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here