Cabinet Office Minister, Francis Maude meets City Year London volunteers
Cabinet Office Minister, Francis Maude today made a special visit to Whitmore Primary School in Hackney to meet City Year volunteers and see firsthand how they are making a big difference at the school.
Mr Maude met Head teacher, Penny Smith and City Year team leader Chilima Sianyeuka for a tour of the school and to observe some of the classes where City Year corps members are supporting teachers and helping children.
Mr Maude listened to pupils about how they enjoy learning with corps members and he also held a roundtable discussion with the National Grid sponsored team members to hear about their experiences working with the children. The visit follows a recent trip to the US where Francis Maude met volunteers working in City Year’s New York site.
Francis Maude said:
“City Year volunteers are inspirational role models who are making a fantastic difference to the schools they are working in. City Year is making a difference in two ways. It is helping children with their school work and attitude to life and learning, but equally importantly, it has a transformational effect on the young people themselves, who gain new skills and have a life changing experience.
“One of the aims of the Government’s National Citizen Service is to inspire young people to become active in their communities. City Year could be the perfect next step for committed young people who want to make a difference. I look forward to seeing City Year grow into a national organisation and empowering tens of thousands of children and young people up and down the country.”
Chilima Sianyeuka said:
“It was a great privilege to show a Government Minister our work at Whitmore. As well as run breakfast clubs and support the teaching staff throughout the school day we have been working with a targeted group of pupils who are at risk of not fulfilling their potential. We strive to be good role models and to inspire the children to be ambitious and determined to succeed with their school work and it was exciting to be able to explain this to an important member of the Government.”
Head teacher Penny Smith said:
“City Year corps members are making an invaluable contribution and their energy and drive is being felt across the entire school. City Year start the day with the children in breakfast club, followed by vigorous PT in the playground. Once the school days starts, City Year can be found supporting children in class, running games at playtime, developing sports and tutoring children. All the staff, parents and children have warmly welcomed City Year to the school.”
