“Before joining this programme, I saw community as just the people living around me. Now I understand it’s about connection, support and shared purpose.
Through working with others, I’ve seen how small acts; listening, helping and collaborating, build real relationships.”
Maya from Greig City Academy in Haringey, graduate of the Youth Leadership programme
We were delighted to be at Newham College last month, to celebrate the graduates of the Youth Leadership programme delivered by our Strategic Partner Groundwork London.
Maya was joined by other students from Greig City Academy, Newham College, and Sheppey College in Kent, for a morning of celebration - recognising the social action projects and leadership journeys of the graduates.
The morning featured a short speech from Mazlum Sonzamanci, a former student of Greig City Academy, who now works with the Berkeley Group as an Apprentice Site Manager. Maz shared insights into his educational journey and his experience participating in Berkeley’s Building Futures programme.
Over the past three years, the 14-week programme has supported 269 young people across 21 cohorts. Participants take part in weekly workshops focused on leadership skills, social action planning, and a leadership residential experience at an Outdoor Education Centre located in the countryside.
Young people apply what they learn by working on projects in local green spaces, using social action to enhance their communities and improve their own lives. Through this process, they build confidence, gain valuable employability skills, and connect with nature – often for the first time.
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84% of participants said they now have a better understanding of the green economy and green careers.
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92% agreed that they now have a greater appreciation of environmental issues and/or greater access to green spaces.
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100% of participants said their involvement in the Youth Leadership programme would add value to their CV and reflect positively when applying for jobs.
Berkeley colleagues have been involved in the programme too, helping to deliver some of the workshops and welcoming cohorts onto Berkeley sites for tours and talks about the different career options we can offer.
Watch this film to hear what this year’s participants had to say about the programme and their social action projects.