YEAR Ten students smiled brightly as they clutched the £1000 cheque, won for the local branch of mental health charity, ‘MIND’. The cash prize came as the result of a charity project, FirstGive, undertaken as part of their Citizenship studies.
Over the last six weeks students have researched a local charity of their choice, meeting with charity members to learn more about the work being done and to explore how possible funding could be used to help the local community.
During the grand final students were required to deliver a presentation showcasing their findings. The winning group’s presentation included a student made video exploring how young people my feel if experiencing mental health problems. The prize money will go towards creating a sensory garden at the Grays branch of ‘MIND’.
MIND will not be the only charity to benefit as another student group scooped second prize, a cheque for @250, which will be donated to ‘Upwards With Downs’, a local charity working with people with Downs Syndrome. This will contribute to therapies and therapeutic activities for their service users.
OPA student, Emily Walker, a member of the winning team, reported:
"To win £1000 for MIND has been a huge pleasure. I am extremely proud of my team and the work we produced. I look forward to seeing how the money will help our charity."Â
Mo Imtiaz, an Ormiston runner up, added:
“The project really helped build my confidence, I’d be more motivated to speak in public after taking art in the FirstGive event.”
Students were elated to be involved with such a beneficial project and give something back to their local community. Another proud moment for Ormiston Park Academy!
