The British Red Cross visited Southwark College to present a certificate to our Supported Learning students which acknowledged their work done to help raise money for the Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
The students raised an impressive £198 which was all donated to support existing and emerging humanitarian needs, including food, water, first-aid, medicines, warm clothes, and shelter. The Red Cross also provides psychosocial support, helping people to regain contact with their loved ones if they've been separated, which the money also went towards.
The students designed a mural to raise awareness of the crisis appeal which included powerful artwork designed by our Supported Learners and depicted the words Freedom, Love, and Peace, as well as presenting the national colours of Ukraine’s flag to show solidarity.
As well as raising awareness, the students created several handmade items to be sold in order to raise money and these items were also used as prizes for a raffle, where tickets were sold to help collect donations.
The ceremony celebrated the effort put in by the students and was an opportunity for The Red Cross to say thank you to everyone who helped to support the appeal.
Annette Cast, Principal at Southwark College said: “At Southwark College, we are committed to supporting initiatives such as the Ukraine crisis appeal. We are delighted to have seen our Supported Learning students working together to raise awareness of the appeal and receive recognition for their collective hard work and effort. It was a pleasure hearing the positive feedback received from The British Red Cross and I look forward to seeing what our students go on to achieve next."
Israel Martins, Supported Learning student at Southwark College, said: “Supporting this appeal was a great opportunity for us to help with a really important cause. It was a chance for us to work together and demonstrate all the skills we have been developing. I wanted to support the cause but wasn't sure where to start or how I could help so this project allowed me to find out all the different ways I could get involved and make a difference."
Southwark College offers Supported Learning courses to support people with Educational Health Care Plans and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to gain more independence, improve their knowledge and get the guidance and encouragement they need to successfully move into work.
For more information, visit southwark.ac.uk/supported-learning
