On 6th February 2012, Richmond AID were the proud recipients of £3000 won by the pupils of Gumley House Convent School as part of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI).
The pupils of Gumley House Convent School, in Isleworth, were given the task of working in small groups to research the needs of their local area and identify the charity they believe is best placed to support the community. Thirty four groups researched their chosen charity and created presentations explaining why their proposed charity is most deserving of support. The final of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative involved ten minute presentations from six Year 9 groups and the outcome was decided by a panel of judges.
The winning presentation on Richmond AID was composed by Olivia Cardosa, Josie Chadband, Lara Goodhand, Gabriella Kitto and Amalia Martinez-Botas. Richmond AID was struck by the confidence and commitment these girls displayed when approaching them and working with them to develop their presentation.
The group judged to have made the best presentation in each school is granted £3000 to award to their charity. The Philanthropy Initiative is a unique programme for students in Year 9, combining in-class learning with hands-on experience. The students underwent valuable skills training including advocacy, team work and public speaking. The programme empowers young people to actively participate in the development of their communities and engage them as dedicated problem solvers and volunteers.
When Richmond AID met the girls for the first time, they had clearly done their research and were eager to ask questions. Over the next four months the girls met with Richmond AID another four times, to prepare their presentation and gather all the facts and information needed. Richmond AID ’s Jamie Cutler was able to link the girls with Edward Boamah, one of their clients, who, as part of the presentation gave a very short talk on his experience of being supported by Richmond AID. Edward also played the piano at stages to add drama to their presentation and played Amazing Grace and the end with one of the girls from the group playing the flute.
‘Richmond AID were delighted to have taken part in the process and it’s fantastic that we won. The £3,000 will make a big difference to our charity. We are planning to start a project with the deaf community and the money will go towards sign language interpretation.
The girls were a pleasure to work with a real credit to their school. Their presentation was lovely and we were thoroughly impressed by their professionalism, creativity and commitment.’
– Lucy Byrne CEO Richmond AID