‘Transformational’ charity seeks business backing
THE North West’s business community has been challenged to do more to support a charity which has a “transformational” impact on children living in deprived communities.
Teach First, a charity founded 12 years ago, recruits high calibre university graduates to train as teachers, who are placed in schools in economically challenged areas, where worklessness and a lack of aspiration pervades.
It says that by bringing bright, energised and passionate young teachers into classrooms – for an initial two years (although many decide to stay in the profession), they can inspire and motivate young people to do better at school and in later life.
At a high level business event in Manchester prominent supporters former government minister Lord Adonis and Dame Julia Cleverdon, the ex-chief executive of Business in the Community, said it was in the interests of “all employers” to get involved, because the intiative will ultimately provide them with a better workforce.
Senior regional figures attending the event hosted by Deloitte – which works closely with Teach First – included Edwin Booth of Booths, Urban Splash chairmanTom Bloxham, Seamark Group founder Iqbal Ahmed, Styles & Wood chief executive Tony Lanigan and Alison Loveday of law firm Berg.
Lord Adonis, a trustee of the charity, which in the North West has placed more than 600 teachers in 72 schools. said: “There is a shortage of really outstanding teachers because it’s not up there as a career of choice for most graduates, particularly in science and maths.
“Teach First has helped something like one million children nationally – 90,000 in the North West, but we want to do more. We need more support from business, more mentors, more ambassasdors, more funding.”
“I believe the Northern Powerhouse needs a social equivalent if it is to fulfil its potential and deal with the deep problems around poor education and low aspiration in some communities in this region.”
Cleverdon, deputy patron of Teach First added: “Tacking educational disadvantage is a big problem in many communities in the North West, where the chances of finding the diamonds in the dust are really challenging.”
Peel Group executive Robert Hough, and Liverpool LEP chairman Robert Hough has agreed to chair a North West business leadership team for Teach First.
He said: “I have been involved as an ambassador for two or three years and it is a very special charity and with the skills deficit in this region, something we really need.
“In Liverpool something like 33% of residents live in some of most deprived areas of England, and bringing these invigorated teachers in to schools there is vital.
“Teach First is a transformational project, it changes lives and its impact can be immense.”
To become involved in supporting Teach First, financially, or in mentoring its graduate teachers, please contact: Jessamy Gould, head of corporate partnerships at : jgould@teachfirst.org.uk
For information about the charity’s work in the North West, email Colin Ferguson, North West director on cferguson@teachfirst.org.uk
