A collaborative project for social change
Understanding and fostering belonging in education amongst Black youth in Exeter
- There is a severe deficit of Black role models in the U16 education sector in Devon (in 2022/23 there were 10 Black teachers and 1 318 Black and Black heritage children across all U16 levels).
- Given these statistics, we are working in partnership with educational institutions in Exeter to foster access to and accessibility of Black representation within the education sector for this community of pupils, as well as experience of the work Black scholars in Exeter are doing.
- Our core activity is to work collaboratively with staff at some of the TED WRAGG Trust high schools to provide an event timetable for pupils that will fit in with other school activities and to empower pupils to participate in research.
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MISSION
Empowering, one student at a time.
Engaging the Youth
Engaging the youth is at the heart of our mission and we strive to provide Black students with knowledge, skills, and inspiration with our activities. Through engaging sessions led by academics, students and creative practitioners of Black heritage, students are exposed to a wealth of expertise and experience that enriches their educational journey. Through collaborative and reciprocal learning with peers and programme staff, students gain valuable insights that extend beyond the classroom and foster critical awareness.
Broadening Horizons
Broadening horizons is essential for nurturing well-rounded and informed individuals. Our weekly sessions, featuring experts from diverse fields, offer students the opportunity to explore various academic and professional paths. These interactions not only expand students’ knowledge but also open them to new possibilities, career options and professional networks. In our sessions students are encouraged to be curious and to find points of connection to increase accessibility of the scholars and creatives they encounter.
Listen to the playlist curated by our youth members:
Empowering young minds
Empowering young minds is a crucial aspect of our initiative, as we seek to raise critical awareness. By providing Black representation and fostering safe spaces for critical conversation and heritage exploration, students stand to gain confidence and motivation to overcome challenges and to inform their expectations. These interactions provide an environment where students feel valued and understood and where they can be supported in their ambitions.
Impacting Communities
We aim for our work to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual students. Black youth who take part in our activities are encouraged to remain engaged with our programme of work and to ‘give back’ where they can. We also aim to contribute to broader societal change through our growing focus on the development of policy and practice for change.
B-HUGs a social change project 