Diversity Programme educates young minds of the importance of institutions of the state and voting in the general elections
Date: Thursday 26th March 2015
Venues: Clarence House, 10 Downing Street, Parliament, House of Lords & Speakers House.
Last year the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP launched the Naz Legacy Foundation Diversity Programme at the National Portrait Gallery. The diversity programme, supported by the Times Education Supplement, encourages young people from deprived and minority communities to visit a cultural intuition for the first time and learn about the rich heritage of diverse role models in Britain.
On his experience of the day, the Deputy Prime Minister comments:
‘One of my favourite moments of the last 5 years as Deputy Prime Minister was launching the Naz Legacy Diversity Programme. The Diversity Programme does fantastic work and inspires us precisely because it shows how we can enrich the lives of Britain’s children. In doing it helps build a fairer society and in which every child can realise their aspirations, irrespective of their background. The message of this year’s Diversity Programme is hugely important, and I hope it is heard across the political spectrum. The Naz Legacy Foundation doesn’t just understand what kind of change is needed but is making it happen – and that is why it has my wholehearted support.’
Mosaic, a mentoring initiative founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2007, uses the power of accredited mentoring programmes to help young people from our most deprived communities to improve their confidence, self-efficacy and employability. Mosaic is delighted to be working with the Naz Legacy Foundation’s Diversity Programme to give our students from Ernest Bevin College, Little Ilford School, Drayton Manor High School and Addey and Stanhope School the opportunity to benefit from the 2015 theme of better understanding the importance of the State and voting in General Elections.
Jonathan Freeman, Managing Director of Mosaic, says:
‘Mosaic is delighted to be partnering with the Naz Legacy Foundation to offer such a life-changing opportunity to our young people. The Diversity Programme enables our students to take the mentoring they have received to the next level, by realising that each and every one of them can fulfil their potential to make a difference at the highest levels of our country.’
Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education said:
“At this General Election it’s crucial that young people make their voice heard. That’s why I’m delighted that the Naz Legacy Diversity Programme, set up in memory of the inspirational educator Naz Bokhari, is focusing its efforts on educating young students, many of whom live in some of our most deprived communities, about the importance of taking part in the democratic process, making their voice heard and voting in the next general election”
Hina Bokhari, daughter of the late Naz Bokhari adds:
‘There has never been a more important time to educate young people from challenging backgrounds about the importance of the State and voting in the General Elections.’
During the day 60 students from 6 London schools from deprived communities will:
– Visit Clarence House to have a session with a Deputy Private Secretary for HRH The Prince of Wales to learn about the ‘Role of the Monarchy’
– Visit Number 10 Downing Street
– Tour of Parliament and talk by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson in the House of Lords about ‘Importance of voting and the General Elections’
– Finish with a session with Mr Speaker Rt Hon John Bercow MP at Speakers’ House about ‘Role of Mr Speaker and Parliament.’
Mr Speaker, Rt Hon John Bercow MP said:
‘It is an honour to welcome the fantastic students from the Naz Legacy Diversity Programme to the mother of all parliaments and to my home, Speaker’s House. It has never been a more important time for young people to engage in politics. The Naz Legacy Foundation’s Diversity Programme is playing a vital role in educating students about the importance of the our democracy and the need for everyone to exercise their right to vote.’
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said:
‘Congratulations again to the fantastic Naz Legacy Foundation on its Diversity Programme. Last year, it inspired many young Londoners with visits to the best museums and galleries the capital has to offer. This year, it will try to enthuse young people about the importance of political participation in the heart of democracy, Westminster. I am sure it will be an amazing day and I would like to thank the Foundation for its important work it does for young people in London.’
