Making a Difference: London Academy Students Awarded First Give Grant for Gratitude Charity

In a remarkable display of commitment and compassion, students from The London Academy in Edgware, have successfully secured a £1,000 First Give grant for Gratitude, illustrating the powerful impact of youth involvement in social action.

The journey began when the Year 7 students chose Gratitude for their First Give programme, a decision driven by their desire to support vulnerable members of their local community. The programme encourages students to engage directly with charities, developing advocacy campaigns to support their chosen causes.

Gratitude’s involvement was spearheaded by our volunteer, the author of the Gratitude 10 Year History book and a dedicated social media volunteer, alongside Gabby, the Gratitude Schools Engagement Volunteer. Together, they crafted a compelling presentation that detailed the charity’s mission and work, laying a solid foundation for the students’ project. Gabby represented Gratitude in person, delivering the presentation and providing invaluable insights that guided the students throughout the process.

Part of the presentation delivered by Year 7 London Academy

The students embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. They delved deep into understanding the challenges faced by individuals in their community and the significant impact Gratitude has in addressing these issues. As part of their project, the students organised a collection drive and donated three boxes of non-perishable groceries to support the charity’s efforts, showcasing their dedication to making a tangible difference.

The culmination of their hard work was the submission of their presentation for the First Give Final. The students’ work was a reflection of their deep understanding and commitment, demonstrating their skills in advocacy through a well-prepared and heartfelt presentation. Their compelling case for supporting Gratitude Charity ultimately convinced the judges of the worthiness of their cause.

Thanks to their meticulous preparation and heartfelt delivery, the students won the £1,000 grant for Gratitude. This significant financial boost will further empower the charity to expand its initiatives and continue making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

First Give Logo

Reflecting on the project’s success, Gratitude arranged a call with the students to personally thank them and discuss the outcomes of their efforts. The students were very excited to share their good news, and one child even gave a celebratory dance!

Founding trustee John Carlisle was on the call and said afterwards, “The energy and passion these students have shown is truly inspiring. Their dedication not only to our cause but to making a real difference in their community is something we should all aspire to.”

The success of this project is not only a testament to the students’ hard work and the instrumental guidance of our volunteers but also a beacon of hope for future collaborations. It underscores the potential of youth engagement in charitable causes and sets a precedent for other schools and organisations to follow.

Looking forward, Gratitude remains committed to nurturing these young advocates for social change and is excited about the continued impact of the First Give programme in fostering a culture of generosity and awareness among the younger generation.

If your organisation would like to collaborate with Gratitude, please contact info@gratitude.charity

Word salad from Year 7 London Academy

Cover photo by Agence Olloweb

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