Executive Director's Blog

We believe you can fly

The Barking & Dagenham Enterprise Bursary project is a Bold and Dynamic programme aimed at inspiring and encouraging a group of aspirational year 12 students to achieve their dreams. That might sound rather grand, but the event I attended last Friday was probably the most grounding thing I have been to this year. Let me elaborate. There are 3 bursary programmes in Business, Sport and Science and ‘A’ level students from across the borough can apply to join the theme of their choice. Each programme provides some top level opportunities and specially organised activities all aimed at opening new doors and ideas for the participants, the intention is that the students will aim higher in their studies to achieve their ambitions.

The event last Friday celebrated the end of last year programme and the beginning of the new one. The testimonials of the outgoing students were just amazing and I can’t begin to get across how impressive they were. The talent of the young people in Barking & Dagenham was just the most lasting image and the pride was evident from the supporters who had arranged the work placements, the special visits, and provided the day to day support. Deputy Mayor Fred Barns welcomed the new year in with the presentation of a work file to the business and science students and tracksuits to the sports group. He ended the evening telling me just how proud and talented the young people of the Barking & Dagenham are, and I have to agree.