Girl Leading Project

Following the academy’s participation in the Girl Leading project led by Mulberry School for Girls and the residential in April, Year 9 students have been hard at work on their social action project, raising awareness about the issue of Forced Marriage and fundraising for a local charity that supports victims of Forced Marriage, FGM and Dishonour in the family.

On Friday 14th June 2017, students led a bake sale where they raised £80. They have also organised a Student Trainer Day on Tuesday 25th July 2017. Students who donate £1 towards the fundraiser can wear trainers with their full school uniform.

On Saturday 8th July 2017 the girls attended The Feedback Day at the Mulberry and Bigland Green Centre. Students delivered a presentation to Ursuline School to share the progress of their leadership challenge and what they had achieved since the residential in April. Students also enjoyed listening to poet, Kat Francois, Guest Speaker at the event.

One of the highlights of the entire project, was the way in which the students diligently researched the issue of Force Marriage, which led them to a local organisation called Freedom Charity. They decided to make contact with the charity and sent an email requesting for someone to speak about the issue of Forced Marriage in an assembly at the academy. Freedom Charity were so impressed by the girls work that their Founder and President Aneeta Prem agreed to visit the academy and give a talk. Aneeta Prem is also a British author, human rights campaigner and magistrate. Aneeta has been the Metropolitan Police Authority lead member for forced marriages and dishonour based violence and has worked closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and many victims, survivors and community groups to provide independent advice.

On Tuesday 18th July, before going to court Aneeta kindly delivered the assembly to male and female students across Years 7 – 10. The students involved in the Girl Leading project introduced the high profile event to 180 students and touched on the public speaking skills they learnt at the residential. MAS students gained knowledge on what to do if they were ever concerned about a friend.

Aneeta also kindly donated 200 copies of her book ‘But It’s Not Fair’ as a gift to all the students. The book draws on Aneeta’s extensive experience and is written from the view of a young British girl, Vinny, whose friend almost becomes a victim of Forced Marriage. It not only raises awareness of Forced Marriage and highlights some of the key signs associated with Forced Marriage, but it also suggests courses of action that can help potential victims.

We are incredibly proud of the students who participated in the Girl Leading project and they are listed below. The project has left them feeling empowered by what they have achieved.

Aaliyah Begh
Aaliyah Clements Loveday
Roqiyah Al-Aqool
Lasharn Southwell
Amina Begum

For further information about Freedom Charity’s work please visit: www.freedomcharity.org.uk