Students from Waltham Forest College joined over a hundred others to attend the launch of this year’s Legacy Champions event at City Edge in Hackney.
The event was organised by Envision, a charity which works with young people between the ages of 16-19 and sponsored by energy supplier EDF. The aim of the Legacy Champions Programme is to work on environmental and social projects that will leave a positive legacy after the 2012 games within the boroughs that will be hosting the Olympics
The day long programme included team-building exercises, brainstorming sessions, presentations, and talks from London 2012 Paralympic competitor Natasha Baker, London 2012 Programme Director for EDF Gareth Wynn, and Programme Manager at Envision Patrick Taylor.
18 year-old BTEC Media Studies student Alanna Britchford from Waltham Forest College said:
“ I’m looking forward to taking part in the Legacy Champions programme, as I think it will really help to improve my skills, and I also think it’s important to give back to the community that we live in.”
“Our project will focus on bettering the area we live in, and helping elderly members of the community to revamp their houses. We’re hoping to get different areas from the College involved to bring a sense of unity.”
Tutor Khadijah Rahman, who put the students forward, is looking forward to the final outcome:
“Last year Waltham Forest College was awarded as the Legacy Champions of the Year. I’m sure that with the hard work and commitment from our students, we will gain this status once again.”
Gareth Wynn, EDF Director, London 2012 Programme, said: “Many young people in London will be inspired by what they see this summer. It is great to help capture some of their energy and to help them make a positive impact in their communities. These young people are the true role models for our capital city.
“As an official partner of the London 2012 Games, EDF is committed to helping with environmental and social issues and bringing the best out of people, which is exactly what Legacy Champions is designed to do. Providing mentors will help students develop their ideas, gain new skills and build their confidence as they work on important local projects."
Each College has been assigned a mentor from EDF, together with a volunteer from Envision who will help students bring their project together. Last year a range of projects were developed by students through Legacy Champions including a crime prevention workshop by Newham College, a mini Olympic-themed event held by NewVic College and Waltham Forest College took part in a festival to encourage the community on how they can be more sustainable which was well received by the community, and went on to win the award for Legacy Champions of the Year. Colleges have until April to deliver their projects.
