The ReachOut! Summer Programme is hoping to resume as normal tomorrow following an unexpected interruption yesterday. The school sadly had to close at lunchtime after warnings from police that riots were coming to Hackney.
RO is grateful to every member of staff that pulled together to ensure children got home safely and calmly. Whilst waiting to be collected, children were entertained by teachers and volunteers with impromptu games and the relaxed atmosphere was almost like a bonding session. The enthusiasm and commitment of staff and volunteers, many of whom are local students, was fantastic to see and set and excellent example to all the children present. Never before has the need for positive role models in our young people’s lives been more evident.
Recent events do nothing but reiterate the aims that drive schemes such as this one; to provide a safe environment for our young people where they can learn and have fun whilst learning ReachOut!’s core values of Fairness, Self-Control, Good Judgement and Staying Power.
The first week of the project has demonstrated that we are going far beyond just getting teenagers off the streets; their engagement with both lessons and activities is striking. My own experience as a key stage three English teacher has been exciting and fun, sometimes truly inspiring. The effort and enthusiasm of the children is impressive, their writing tasks completed with some great results. A lesson on Monday had me asking the year 7 girls what they considered important in a story; one answer sticks in my mind: 'a story without metaphors is a black and white picture. When you add metaphors you're bringing colour.'
Anecdotes like these are floating around the staffroom daily and it is these moments that represent the valuable work that RO is doing and must clearly continue.
Steph Pickerill
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