Young people on a scheme that raises the educational attainment of black pupils celebrated their achievements on 15 May 2008.
The Lewisham Black Pupils’ Achievement Programme – Achievement for all 2008 (BPAP) has seen many successes since its launch in 2006.
Young people on the programme used dance, music, drama performances, poetry recitals and personal speeches to demonstrate their educational and personal achievements and to tell of their future hopes and career aspirations.
Fifteen-year-old Latitia Miles-Gibbs attends Bonus Pastor School. She said: “Before I started the BPAP I was known as a 'bad' student as I was a student who did not listen and always got into trouble. Since I have joined the programme, I have changed a lot. My attitude towards work and teachers has improved significantly. My teachers now have high expectations of me and push me to excel and I have high expectations of myself.
“Through the programme, I have learnt that you have to work hard otherwise you will not get anywhere. And you can be whatever you want to be!”
Councillor Robert Massey, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said he was impressed by the talent and achievements of the young people on the programme. He said: "What’s unique is that it’s driven by truly collaborative work. It brings together everyone from the local authority, community and voluntary organisations, headteachers, school practitioners, parents and carers and, of course, young people.”
The Lewisham BPAP is recognised as one of the most innovative local responses to a national strategy aimed at raising the attainment and achievement of black pupils.
There have been many personal success stories. One of the most significant was when BPAP student, Justin Cole, was elected Young Mayor of Lewisham in 2007.
Justin said: “I’m intensely proud to be part of this programme. For me and the other students, it has been an incredibly exciting and wonderful experience.”
Tim Campbell, the first winner of BBC Two’s The Apprentice programme and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust, a social initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, also praised the young people’s achievements.
He said: “Being part of these celebrations was an honour. There is no doubt that we are seeing a generation of young people who will go on to achieve great things. And my message to all young people is to continue to aspire to reach individual goals.”