Personally Speaking - Calvin Austin

Having worked at Stoke on Trent College for over 25 years, in my role as Learner Involvement Co-ordinator I’ve seen first-hand the vital importance of empowering young people with the skills and confidence they need to progress to the next stage of their journey – whether that’s to employment, an Apprenticeship or further study.

And whilst the skills our learners gain from their vocational course are an important part of their progression, just as important is the emphasis on the personal and social attributes obtained from their participation in a range of extra-curricular activities, skills such as self-belief, confidence, teamwork and so much more. It’s this holistic approach to education which contributes to creating well-rounded individuals with a unique set of versatile and transferrable skills, essential for success in all aspects of life.

Following the impact of Covid-19, this year we have been really pleased to be able to relaunch our award-winning, flagship Challenge South Africa programme, a programme I have been extremely proud to be involved with since its inception 19 years ago.  The programme aims to raise awareness of equality and diversity on an international level and provides our learners with a life-changing opportunity to visit South Africa and experience the culture for themselves, as well as being able to make a positive impact on the lives of people in South Africa.

Each year a group of learners are selected for the nine-month project, which involves a comprehensive and immersive learning experience consisting of fundraising activities, team building exercises and education about the history and culture of South Africa culminating in a 10-day educational trip to Cape Town.

During our time in South Africa, our 20 learners have had the absolute time of their lives, visiting Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned) and the Apartheid Museum.  They have also distributed over 100 food parcels and volunteered at a soup kitchen in shanty town communities, as well as delivering arts and craft activities and sports coaching sessions in local schools, before visiting a local high school to compare the education system.

In addition to distributing the food parcels, all made possible thanks to the unwavering support of businesses, partners, families and staff at the college and local charity Amity Hub, a little bit of Staffordshire also made its way over to South Africa thanks to a donation of ceramic gifts from the World of Wedgwood for learners to gift to their hosts as part of the visit.

It really is a brilliant opportunity for all the learners – it gives them the drive to raise funds and help out both in the community here in Stoke-on-Trent and in South Africa and really raises their aspirations and career goals by taking part in such an eye-opening volunteering and cultural experience.

To deliver a programme such as this simply wouldn’t be possible without the support and collaborative efforts from a wide range of partners, such as the partnerships developed with Talfalah Primary School and Manenberg High School.  We have even coordinated return visits to Stoke on Trent College from Manenberg High School pupils to give them a taste of life in Stoke-on-Trent and have also developed partnerships with a range of local organisations, including Stoke City Football Club Community Trust and Stoke on Trent School Sport Partnership.  It really is heart-warming to see such a strong network of partners all working towards a common goal.

For me and the small team of volunteer staff who deliver this project, this is so much more than just a part of our existing roles – we are passionate about providing a valuable experience for our learners and go above and beyond expectations – volunteering hours of our own time as well as contributing to the fundraising effort.

When you witness the life-changing, long-lasting impact this programme has on our learners, year after year, it makes all the effort more than worthwhile – with many still talking positively about their experiences in the years that follow. 

I am extremely proud to be an integral part of something which makes such a positive difference in the lives of so many people, both here in Stoke-on-Trent and in South Africa, it really is an honour.