The events of 2020 highlighted that more than ever there is a need to tackle inequality and discrimination - from the number people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds dying disproportionately in the pandemic to rising unemployment and numbers of people who are turning to food banks.
No one should experience inequality because of their identity or social background. We believe that we have the power to change this.
That’s why London South East Colleges launched the Tackling Inequality Student Projects and Grants Programme in June 2020.
The programme is a vehicle for staff and students to develop initiatives and projects to tackle inequality within the staff and student bodies, but also the wider community. The projects approved so far are:
Saved By The Ball
This is aimed at increasing attendance and engagement by combining football coaching and mentoring for learners across the Trust and the Colleges who are ‘at risk’ of permanent exclusion.
Empower Project
This is a year-long programme aimed at supporting personal growth and development by increasing employability and entrepreneurial skills, self-esteem, and confidence to young people of BAME origin.
Positive Changes
This mentoring project is aimed at inspiring and enabling young people (SEND students between the ages of 16 and 25 and classed as vulnerable) to realise their potential by understanding their own self-perception and instilling confidence.