Yes we can evening inspires students
On 6 October we hosted an evening entitled ‘Yes We Can’, inspired by the words of Barrack Obama in celebration of Black History Month.
Ten inspirational speakers shared their stories of success, including Hollywood actress Naomie Harris, head chef of the Ivy restaurant Gary Lee, property tycoon and TV’s ‘Secret Millionaire’ Caroline Marsh, Lt Cdr Neville Bryce MBE of the Royal Navy and Jennette Arnold OBE, chair of the Greater London Assembly. ITV News presenter Charlene White hosted the event to an audience of 125 students and 100 business, political and media professionals. Students had made a film dedicated to those who inspire them, which was broadcast during the evening.
‘“We have been very fortunate to get very high profile and inspirational figures all with a similar message of hard work and endeavour,' said deputy principal Martin Nirsimloo.
“The youngsters are being given the opportunity to see that the speakers come from normal backgrounds and are 'real people' who have invested their talents and are now leaders in their field. Events like this have helped to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and desire to achieve amongst our students. Working, meeting and being mentored by participants such as Sir Jim Rose, Barbara Lindsay MBE and David Nieta will create a new generation of enterprising citizens.
'Our GSCE results in 2011 place us as one of the most improved in the whole of the country, bucking the trend of underachievement amongst students from the black inner-city community, particularly boys. It is events like these, where we open children's eyes to the vast world of opportunity that awaits them if they work at it, that has helped lift our results so high.'
‘Yes We Can’ is supported by Jessica Huie of Colorblind Cards and JHPR and Foluke Akinlose MBE of PRECIOUS Media.
'Once again St Matthew leads the way in illustrating exactly how you inspire and excite school-aged children on their journey into adulthood about all the possibilities of life and a career. This insight into the worlds of these key figures is priceless,' says Huie.'The exceptional calibre and diversity of the line-up is unquestionable, and I'm sure I will leave the event as inspired as the students!'
