STUDENTS at Dixons Ashton Academy have been praised by local MP Angela Rayner.
They have been leading a community foodbank collection, as part of a programme designed to boost confidence, skills and future ambitions.
The MP for Ashton-under-Lyne visited the Broadoak Road school recently to meet pupils taking part in Set for Success.
It’s a youth leadership initiative which uses sport and physical activity to help young people develop life and employability skills.
During the visit, students showcased a social action project they had created through the programme, organising a donation drive for Cedar Park Food Bank. They spoke with Ms Rayner about their experiences and how taking part had supported their personal development.
The pupils were also joined by British Paralympic wheelchair rugby player and Youth Sport Trust Athlete Mentor Ayaz Bhuta, who shared his experiences and encouraged students taking part in the programme.
Ms Rayner said: “It was brilliant to meet the pupils taking part in this wonderful project and hear how the sessions are helping to build their confidence and self-esteem. I am delighted they have decided to collect items for a local food bank!”
Set for Success is delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, with support from the Wimbledon Foundation and Barclays, and aims to support young people who may face barriers to reaching their full potential.
The visit comes as concerns continue nationally about the number of young people at risk of becoming disconnected from education, employment or training.
The interim Milburn Review warned that the number of young people classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training) could rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without action.
The programme combines mentoring from athletes with personal development activities, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills and awareness of future opportunities.
Ali Oliver MBE, Youth Sport Trust CEO, said: “With the worrying predictions released by the Milburn Review’s interim report and at a time when too many young people risk becoming disconnected from education and future employment, programmes such as Set for Success provide essential opportunities to build confidence, develop employability skills and strengthen engagement with school.”
The school’s involvement is part of a wider national programme which has seen many pupils report improvements in key skills, confidence and understanding of how their strengths can support their future goals.