| National search for role models to inspire our boys |
|
|
- Improve engagement between schools and Black parents - home school partnership agreements are currently taking place in schools across the country. These and other programmes to engage parents with schools will be looking at how best to meet the needs of Black families.
- Strengthen the reporting and monitoring of race equality and schools - Ofsted has reviewed, revised and published new guidance for inspectors which will strengthen the way that it reports on race equality issues including drawing attention to good practice and highlighting inequalities.
- Supporting Black led Voluntary and Community Sector organisations - These are often the organisations working most closely with young Black men at risk of dropping out.
Today’s role models tend to be celebrities and a few who glamorise a world of crime, drugs, guns and gangs. The national role modelling programme seeks to challenge some of these stereotypes, while promoting positive images of Black male achievement - from businessmen to doctors, lawyers, artists and community workers.
Hazel Blears added:
"There needs to be a collective effort to combat underachievement and low aspirations amongst our young Black men. These kids need realistic alternatives to show them that every opportunity is available to them. There are thousands of role models out there who offer great examples for Black boys to follow. This programme is about harnessing their potential, making them more visible and getting more young people on the right track."
About twenty national role models will be selected by an independent panel comprising fashion designer and businessman Ozwald Boateng, entrepreneur Tim Campbell, founder and Director of Operation Black Vote Simon Woolley and Metropolitan Police Superintendent Leroy Logan along with four young Black men.
Tim Campbell said of the programme:
"The REACH role modelling project has massive potential to change the way that our community addresses some the issues around young Black men's underachievement. We need to find people that can really connect with and inspire the next generation to get on and do more. We have a real opportunity here to get voluntary organisations, the Government and individuals working together to tackle these issues head on."
Once recruited the national role models will share their stories in a variety of ways, including events and visits to meet with young Black men across the country. This will be community led, but might include visits to schools, youth clubs and young offender institutes, and new media offerings such as podcasts, webchats and wider media activity will also be undertaken.
|