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Top British athlete joins Newham students at UEL’s Leadership Summer School

Monday 13 July 2009

Athlete Donna Fraser (centre, pink necktie) with students motivates young people from the Royal Docks, Eastlea and Rokeby Schools

Top athlete Donna Fraser joined 60 local students from three schools in Newham as they stayed at the University of East London (UEL) Docklands campus from Monday 6 until Wednesday 8 July as part of UEL’s pioneering Leadership Summer School programme.

Donna Fraser, a four times Olympian and bronze medal winner as part of the 4x400m British relay team at the world championships in 2005 and 2007, gave a motivational speech about her experiences as part of the 3 day event to the young people from Royal Docks, Eastlea and Rokeby Schools.

Donna said: “I learnt a lot from Olympic champion Kathy Freeman when I met her, she inspired me greatly and I would say to you all to be confident, believe in yourself and enjoy your time at UEL.”

The students were asked which areas they wanted to address in their schools and to develop ways of improving achievement in those areas. At the final evening ceremony, they presented their short films and other ideas in front of their parents, teachers and Councillor Clive Furness, Newham Executive for Health.

Gail May, Head of Education and Community Partnerships said: “I’m delighted that this event has turned out so well as we are committed to working in partnership with these schools. We’ve seen the changes in the young people since they arrived and the evaluation forms show that they have increased their confidence and motivation during their stay at UEL – this is fantastic and an important aspect of being a leader.”

The 3 day event was funded by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) and developed and led by UEL’s Education and Community Partnerships team. LTGDC is the lead regeneration agency for the Lower Lea Valley and the London Riverside - the two areas with the greatest potential for growth in London and the Thames Gateway.

John Middleton, Head of Economic Development at LTGDC said: "Different organisations working effectively together is one of the great strengths of east London. This project is another great example of this collaborate effort. We trust the leadership skills these young people acquire will help them secure employment, hopefully in London Thames Gateway."

Student Muhammad Rahman from Rokeby Secondary School in Pitchford Street, Newham said: “This leadership course is a great opportunity for us youngsters to experience university life and it’s been really exciting and has boosted my confidence.”

The Education and Community Partnership team will be working with the students for another year to continue supporting them in their chosen activities.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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