Entrepreneurs, musicians and business CEOs have helped inspire the next generation of leaders at Lees Brook Academy.
The Future Leaders Project, organised by the University of Derby, saw a group of 10 students of Black heritage at the Morley Road school take part in sessions aimed at raising aspirations.
The project was open to Year 10 students of Black heritage across Derbyshire and participants said it helped them develop more confidence in their ability to achieve their goals.
As part of Future Leaders, the students attended three sessions at the University of Derby, where they were put in groups with young people from other city schools.
“We learned we should be more confident in ourselves and not let others demotivate us from our dreams,” said Tanaka, 15, who took part in Future Leaders with Lees Brook Academy.
Students admitted turning up at the university for the first session was nerve-wracking, particularly when they were put in groups with students they didn’t know from other schools.
But Blaine, 15, said it had been worth it, with inspirational talks helping to change their perspectives.
“Meeting new people and hearing from other people really helped to build up my confidence. I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Student Makanaka, 15, said hearing from professionals and black entrepreneurs during the sessions had helped her to believe that her dream of becoming an entrepreneur was achievable.
“Hearing from these professionals, and about their backgrounds just made me think I could actually do it.”
The sessions considered the students’ past, present and future, helping to build resilience, confidence and break down barriers.
Student Leona, 15, said: “We talked about how we felt about ourselves, our culture, what it is like being a black person here and it really made us think.”
Aliyah Wilkinson, Head of Year 10 at Lees Brook Academy, part of the Archway Learning Trust, attended each session with the students and said she had seen their confidence grow.
She said: “It was wonderful to see some of our most anxious students blossom on this trip. Initially they were really scared about getting up in front of a lecture hall full of strangers, but they executed every challenge with confidence and strength! I am so proud of them!”
This story was written and shared on behalf of Archway Learning Trust by Kirsty Green. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
