Everyone needs a role model. That person, or people, who inspire us, teach us something about the world and our place in it, offers advice, support or just listens – encouraging us to be the very best we can be.
For me, that role is firmly held by my dad. He overcame multiple barriers to progress from a lower working class immigrant family (whose only toilet facility was at the end of the road – as he never tired of reminding me and my sister!) to become a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. His determination, kindness, hard work and love have influenced and inspired me, shaping the person, and now parent, I am.
Ensuring that every young person in South Yorkshire has access to role models is one aim of the South Yorkshire Future programme, which I am proud to be part of. We want every young person to have access to a simple means of accessing role models, inspiration, making connections; the ability to hear from a variety of people with different careers and experiences, and even access work experience along the way. This is important because less young people from South Yorkshire progress to higher level skills, education and employment than their peers in other parts of the UK and for some of our most vulnerable young people this picture is more stark – just 6% of Looked After Children or Care Leavers progressed to higher education last year, whereas in parts of our region over 50% of this group ended up classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training).
If you haven’t heard of South Yorkshire Futures then make this the one thing you do today. This Sheffield Hallam led social mobility partnership is starting to make a real impact in our region. It is about harnessing the power of collaboration to bring about real change. From developing a shared vision for Early Years education in South Yorkshire, to supporting teacher recruitment and retention – a source of inspiration and support to so many people- to supporting progression, South Yorkshire Futures has bold ambitions for our region.
A couple of weeks ago an event took place to celebrate the work that has taken place during the first 12 months of the programme, and to share plans and ambitions for the future. Over 200 delegates representing early years, primary, secondary, FE, employers and more, gathered to share in this vision. Dan Jarvis, the new Sheffield City Region Mayor, confirmed his support for the programme, and announced that he would be ‘putting his money where his mouth is’ in committing some of his Mayoral funds to support the programme. The event was rounded off with an outstanding performance from some very talented young people.
I found the passion, dedication and expertise brought together at this event hugely inspiring. This made me reflect on what my dad has given me. Sadly my dad died in 2006, aged just 54. I am very lucky to have had him in my life, to have learnt so much from him, and to carry those qualities he role modelled with me. Through the South Yorkshire Futures programme more young people will benefit from the support and inspiration role models provide, and of that I hope my dad would be very proud.
Visit the website to read more about South Yorkshire Futures, and to join us and get involved.
Carol Castle, Joint Head of UK Student Recruitment
@carolcastle01
