Featherstone students use £2k grant to bridge the gap

Featherstone Alumni Programme

Returning to Featherstone High School in West London, Near Neighbours Coordinator and Catalyst trainer Rabiyah K. Latif and Lisa Broom, Youth and Community Programme Manager caught up with alumni to hear about their plans for the future.

The young people originally took part in the Catalyst Programme as Year 12 students. As Year 13s they have been awarded £2,000 of Near Neighbours funding to enable them to realise the social action project idea they formed as part of the original course.

The Southall Interfaith Exhibition will take place in February 2024 as part of Featherstone School’s Culture Week. Featuring key note speakers from local faith leaders and charities, and supporting facilitated conversations between delegates, the event aims to bridge the gap between different cultural, socio-economic and gender groups to raise awareness, empower others to support local community cohesion and foster understanding between different groups.

The event will be managed by eight Catalyst alumni participants, with support from eight Year 12 students , who are part of the student leadership team. They will also receive ongoing support and mentorship from Lisa, Rabiyah and their teacher.

Catalyst grants allow students to access funds to put their newly acquired skills from the Catalyst Course into action. Once they receive funding, they are guided through a tailored programme of training, mentoring and support, where they gain invaluable skills and experience in project management; from budget management and handling, to event planning, marketing, and evaluation, whie they begin to realise their social action project.

The Catalyst Alumni Programme aims to raise young people’s aspirations and open up access to leadership opportunities, recognising the strength of Catalyst as a powerful and effective intervention for young people.