King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy recently launched a new Education Empowerment Programme aimed at improving a variety of its pupils' skills, both personally and professionally.
The school welcomed non-for-profit organisation Sister2Sister, which aims to empower young BAME females aged 13-21, equipping them with the skills needed to make positive decisions, promote self-confidence and inspire them to achieve their goals, aspirations and purpose.
The 8-week programme is delivered using recognised personal development practices during the school day, on a weekly basis for an hour. Pupils are offered practical strategies to work on building life skills, confidence in social settings, resilience and much more.
From the Sister2Sister website: "We came up with this idea through the overwhelming need and desire to help our community. We are hardworking, vision focused women that have come from the very backgrounds and communities that we now wish to serve and see young people flourish within.
A young BAME (Black, Asian and Minority ethnic) female lacking aspiration can have a devastating impact upon their future and social positioning, which in turn may affect generation after generation. We want to break down boundaries, which is why we decided to create an opportunity for young women to cultivate their self-esteem, develop their confidence and become visionaries; because we know that young women who have confidence along with positive role models who believe in their abilities and skills are unstoppable."
Yolanda Duckworth, Head of Years 8 & 9 at the school, comments: "Sister2Sister approached school with the Education Empowerment programme at a time when it was really needed. Miss Haines (Deputy Head Teacher) and I had been working with a group of BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) girls, gathering their experience at Balaam Wood. Through these discussions and pupil voice they shared their lack of identity and that they felt as though they did not fully fit in or have a voice.
"I have been impressed with the first two sessions and am very excited to continue working with these pupils and Sister2Sister. I hope that this is something that could be shared with other schools across the Trust to empower all pupils to be the best possible versions of themselves".
