This year’s free summer
university programme, organised by Redbridge Council’s Youth
Service was packed full of exciting educational courses and enjoyed
by all.
The programme was set up to encourage young people aged between
13 and 19, to take part in positive activities to raise their self
esteem, confidence and to encourage them to gain new skills and
knowledge.
Over 50 courses ran during the month, many of which were
accredited by national recognised bodies such as the AQA and OCN,
which certify young people’s achievements.
So, not only did young people pick up and enjoy new skills but
they also gained a qualification.
Young people brushed up on their arts and music skills, tried
their hand at drama and street dance and those interested in the
media got a taste of film-making, video editing, animation and
radio production.
For those who wanted to learn new IT skills, there was a word
processing and file management course and for those who felt
slightly more energetic the sports zone offered cheerleading,
trampolining and FA football coaching sessions.
Lavinia aged 16 said:The Summer Uni was good because otherwise
young people would be hanging around the streets doing
nothing."
Talking about her daughter’s experience, a parent from Woodford
said: "My daughter thoroughly enjoyed attending Redbridge Summer
University 2008; this was her second year of attendance on this
programme. I have been very impressed with the diverse range of
courses such as Music Technology, Radio Production &
Broadcasting and accredited programmes such as First Aid
certificate Young People and Internationalism and Food Health &
Safety Certificate.
"Courses were located in
different parts of the Borough and neighbouring Boroughs giving my
daughter an opportunity to engage with different young people from
different backgrounds. I believe this adds value to my daughter’s
friendship groups allowing her to experience and expand her
networks, which would not necessarily have taken place without the
support of Redbridge Summer University. All together a very
positive experience for my family!"
A celebratory summer event to mark the end of the programme took
place on Friday 22 August at Wanstead Youth Centre and gave young
people the chance to showcase their work. Approximately 130 people
attended this event. There were a mixture of performances from
singing, dancing, bands, stand up comedy and video and photographic
presentations.