Young people take a giant stride into the future as Royal Greenwich launches free summer courses

by Our Staff Reporter | Greenwich

Cllr Fahy with Young people at the
Prime Meridian to mark launch of summer
course programme. (Credit: RBG)

A group of young people strode symbolically over the Prime Meridian yesterday, Wednesday 15 July, at the Royal Observatory Greenwich - to mark a new drive to beat the summertime blues.

The eager students put one foot across the famous line from which the world measures its time, to signal the start of Royal Borough’s new “Stride Into Summer” initiative.

Their decisive step signaled the moment when any young person who lives, works or studies in the borough is officially able to sign up for a range of courses that could help them discover new skills or unlock new talents.

The free programme of summer courses will enable hundreds of young people aged 10-19 (or up to 25 years for those with disabilities) to try their hand at everything from creating a music track to making a film, and from setting up a business to working in science or healthcare. And if none of those opportunities is quite their thing, they can learn to bake, act or dance.

The programme, funded by the Royal Borough, is being coordinated, for the fourth year in a row, by the London-based youth charity, Futureversity, who have set up the courses in partnership with businesses and industry professionals, as well as local arts and community groups. The activities take place throughout July and August with the aim of giving young people something purposeful to do during the long summer break.

Young people at the Prime Meridian
to mark launch of summer course
programme, Wednesday 15/07/2015.
(Credit: RBG)

All the courses are provided by professionals with relevant expertise, and are deliberately design to be fun whilst enabling young people to develop new skills. Students get to make better decisions for themselves, and to take on challenges that introduce them to the world of work. They may get the chance to travel for the first time outside their neighbourhood, develop more sophisticated social skills and make new friends.

Sam Obembe, aged 18, from Thamesmead [pictured, grey t-shirt] said: "My mum signed me up for these summer courses - but when I read the leaflet I didn't mind. I think it's a really good idea. I am happy to get new experiences and challenges and if it involves serious learning I am up for that. I want to do mechanical engineering and become a Chartered Engineer."

A former participant, Tammana, added: “The whole experience changed me a lot. It made me feel important and that I can make a difference and improve myself. My people and leadership skills are better. This was a great opportunity.”

Cllr John Fahy, Deputy Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich is proud to be funding another exciting summer programme for young people."

“Once again, all activities are free to take part, and once again the activities on offer provide a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills, develop confidence and express their creative talents."

“I would encourage young people to take a look through the programme and sign up. There really is something for everyone.”