West Berkshire & North Hampshire

Students from eight West Berkshire secondary schools and enthusiastic volunteers from Vodafone recently celebrated their participation in this year’s Take a Chance Programme, a series of mentoring sessions and workshops run by the Education Business Partnership.

Now in its sixth year, the programme has so far given 300 students aged 14-15 years the chance to grow in confidence as they practise and develop some of the skills they will need to succeed, not just in school but in business and the wider world. The programme is also greatly appreciated by the 250 Vodafone employees who volunteer as coaches and mentors.

One Take a Chance student commented “The Buddies have inspired me as they have made me more confident and made me think positively. They used their own experiences to help us and I feel lucky to have had this great chance.”

Looking ahead, Take a Chance Programme Manager Helen Roy said “The EBP is delighted that thanks to Vodafone Foundation’s generous support and funding of £120,000 for the programme in 2013-2014 more students will benefit from the unique Take a Chance experience. We look forward to running the programme again next year in partnership with Vodafone volunteers and local secondary schools.”

Schools that took part were Denefield School, Kennet School, Little Heath School, Park House School, St Bartholomew’s School, The Downs School, Theale Green Community School and Trinity School and Performing Arts College.

If you would like further information please contact Helen Roy, Take a Chance Programme Manager at Education Business Partnership on 01635 277488 or [email protected]