Positive help from students

Reporter: Viva PR
Date online: 24 June 2010

Students from a Rawtenstall secondary school are taking part in a groundbreaking community initiative, unique to East Lancashire.

The 20 students from Alder Grange Community & Technology School have been involved in a range of exciting projects, which aim to bridge the gap between culturally diverse groups. The school is working with Rossendale charity Positive Start to deliver the initiative.

The group is led by ex-Alder Grange student, Robell Siddique, who is the Positive Start Development Officer. He said: “As well as discussing current affairs, the group have been learning about each others different backgrounds by putting together an interactive blog forum and video diaries.

“The students are developing their management and leadership skills and we are looking at working with members of the public to increase community cohesion.”

Alder Grange teacher – and Positive Start executive member – Shumel Haydar, said: “Alder Grange is the only school in the Rossendale Valley to be involved in a scheme like this so we’re thrilled to be part of it. The students have shown great enthusiasm and given up their free time each week to attend the meetings.

“The work of Positive Start has already had a notable impact on individuals in Rossendale and it’s a great way of helping to break down barriers between people from diverse backgrounds.”

Positive Start is a voluntary youth organisation, based in Rossendale. It is a registered charity that works with youth workers and interested adults to support and assist young persons, particularly from disadvantaged and black, minority and ethnic groups, as they strive to achieve and develop their full potential in education, leisure, recreation, health and role within the community.

Alder Grange, based on Calder Road, Rawtenstall opens its £8m state-of-the art sixth form in December. It will cater for 300 students and will include: science laboratories; a media studio and performance space; an industry standard catering kitchen; nursery and creche facilities for child development students, plus ICT and library facilities.