In touch community report 2006

Spring 2007

In the schools

One of the most enjoyable things we do is support programmes for schoolchildren and young people. Volunteers among us put their lunch times and evenings to use, working with children on activities not otherwise available to them.

In London, around 100 people volunteer for weekly mathematics, literacy and information technology sessions at primary schools close to the office. These sessions are a product of our close and rewarding relationship with Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership.

Some people are school governors at our partner schools. Some run free coaching schemes for children who want to learn cricket and netball. The latest initiative is to set up a chess club.

Our involvement does not stop with primary schools. Some of our people choose to become mentors to teenagers at Swanlea Secondary School in the Whitechapel area of London. The idea is, through regular contact, to give the student an understanding of the business world and a feel for the career opportunities open to them. The benefits are mutual: one can gain a lot from sharing the experience of one’s own career path.

Changing perceptions

The number partners’ programme gives the children more confidence in their ability to deal with numbers. They become more prepared to work out the answer to a difficult mathematical question. And it’s an opportunity for them to test the skills they learn with me in class in a one-to-one session.

Chris Perkins
Teacher
Globe Primary School, London

Tackling tough issues

Last year, three secondary schools in London decided to run a joint annual Pupil Parliament and they approached us for help, because we were already working with them on a mentoring programme. The first session was in October, at our London offices, and covered issues from sports and ICT facilities to crime, graffiti and vandalism. A report of the proceedings has gone to the Mayor of London and the Prime Minister.

Carolann Edward
Norton Rose

Literacy: We bought - and then donated - children’s books, helping Virginia Primary School to set up this library. Frederic Demay volunteers each week at the school.