One guest speaker included filmmaker who had his work featured on Netflix
An inspirational cinematographer and writer called Ayman Alhussein was one of a number of guests who were involved in a two-day student led event called ThriveFest.
Ayman Alhussein has worked on a number of films including a 2022 movie called Swimmers that aired on Netflix.
Organised by learners from Abbeygate Sixth Form College, West Suffolk College and One Sixth Form College, ThriveFest saw 400 young people take part in workshops relating to everything from mental health to the media.
Taking place at the University Professional Development Centre in Bury St Edmunds and run in conjunction with Volunteering Matters and the National Citizen Service, the idea behind this occasion was to give students who are supported by the Eastern Education Group, the opportunity of gaining a host of new skills outside of the classroom.
Students decided that the overarching themes would include wellbeing, cultural heritage, employability, equality and the media.
A range of organisations including Active Suffolk, Aspire Black Suffolk, the BBC and the University of Suffolk came along to hand out information.
And a variety of speakers talked on subjects that focussed on everything from women in leadership to breaking down barriers in the construction industry.
Dance, yoga and an escape room were other activities on offer.
Sue Calvino is the head of pastoral support at One Sixth Form College. The Eastern Education Group employee said: “The purpose of the day was to help students develop their skills in areas such as employability, leadership and to get them ready to become student ambassadors for the college and the community. We need to equip our learners with character strengths and resilience that run alongside their qualifications so that they can live their best lives and conquer the world.” Jake Robson is the Group Sixth Form Principal for Eastern Education Group.
Jake said: “This has been a great student led event giving everyone leadership experience, working with external agencies who helped empower them. Our students were given opportunities to network, build connections and gain character skills that will help them stand out in the future.”
Ana Balan, 16, from Ipswich is at One Sixth Form College. Ana said; “We helped plan and organise the event and I’ve learnt that you need to really focus your attention on the details of running an event. This was a festival where you are getting help and having fun.”
One of the students who helped create the event was Chimwemwe Mpundu, 16, from Ipswich studies A-levels with Eastern Education Group. She said: “The event celebrated our diversity.”
Millie Brickell from West Suffolk College added: “The college opens up so many opportunities.”
Tonia Wilson is a project manager for Volunteering Matters. She said; “The Eastern Education Group has been incredible, we got our heads together and created this festival.
“The students helped run ThriveFest to celebrate how amazing young people are. They are our leaders of tomorrow and have done brilliantly.”
Tim Passmore is the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner. Tim came along to see what ThriveFest was all about. He said: “I’m delighted to be here. I believe if you give youngsters the tools to do the job, they can realise their potential.”
Taking more generally about the Eastern Education Group he added: “The Eastern Education Group has blossomed and it encompasses so many options, giving youngsters and adults the aspiration that they can achieve.”
