Our Plans for Consolidation and Growth in 2014

 

The Clarion Academy has achieved a great deal in a very short space of time, and with only the support of a small number of dedicated volunteers.  We need now to look forward, over the next 12 months, to a period of consolidation and growth.

 

Incorporation, in November 2013, as a Company Limited by Guarantee is a significant step, making it easier for us to become a registered charity earlier in 2014 and to be better placed to secure funding.

 

Why do we need funding? Well, because the work of the academy needs a sustainable infrastructure, which means a small core of paid staff to take some of the load off the (volunteer) directors and supporters.  We also need a base – a simple office and an appropriate space in which we can work more productively with our young people.

 

Beyond this, our priorities for 2014 are:

 

•     Working with the Springboard Foundation

  • To continue to provide preparatory tuition for young people of African Heritage, to help them gain entry to boarding school with bursary awards.

  • To support the Foundation and its partners, share expertise and best practice.

 

•     Support for Academic, Vocational and Personal Effectiveness Skills

  • Working with young people of African Heritage who are ineligible for bursary-funded boarding school places, or who have other academic or vocational aspirations, to significantly improve their future economic and social well-being.

 

•     Collaborative Support for Education and Training Providers

  • Establishing partnership working with state-funded and voluntary sector education and training organisations to improve the recruitment, retention and achievement of young people of African Heritage and to facilitate their progression into higher education, high performing apprenticeships and worthwhile careers.

  • Identifying, creating and quality assuring community volunteering opportunities, both locally and internationally, with the aim of enriching personal development, self-esteem and self-belief.

  • Establishing partnerships with employers to create high quality work experience and internship opportunities for young people of African Heritage.

 

All this requires the enthusiastic support of others.  Therefore, if you feel you can help us, in any way – big or small – please get in touch with any of our directors.  For example, would you like to develop your mentoring skills or gain teaching experience and, possibly, qualifications working with young people? Whatever way you can help, we will also do our utmost to support you to achieve your personal aspirations.