Southwark College joins national campaign to celebrate the power of FE this Colleges Week

@SouthwarkColl will be joining the Association of Colleges (AoC) #LoveOurColleges campaign this #CollegesWeek to shine a light on all the impactful work that colleges do day in and day out to build communities, boost businesses, and support individuals to be appropriately equipped with the skills and training they need to achieve their ambitions. 

The Further Education (FE) sector and its institutions are at the centre of the most significant issues, and challenges posed to society. FE Colleges are essential to rebuilding the economy post-Brexit and through Covid-19, strengthening communities, and supporting people through some of the toughest challenges we have faced.  

Stephanie Ogundolie, Access to Nursing student at Southwark College is doing remarkable work looking after her community while also caring for her children. She has received support and encouragement from teachers, who have helped her to keep up with her studies online.  

Stephanie is supporting some of the most vulnerable members of society during the Covid-19 outbreak working as a health care assistant at Bupa Meadbank. She said: “Working at the care home during the coronavirus pandemic has been challenging but also a privilege. I’m pleased to support the residents with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained in my course at Southwark College – the experience is something I will always remember and take forward into the future.”  

Commenting on this year’s Colleges Week, Principal Annette Cast, said: “We are proud to be joining this important campaign for another year. Colleges Week offers us the chance to shine a light on the great work we do in and outside of the classroom for students and employers, and the positive impact we have on our local communities.   

“The spending review must acknowledge the crucial work further education makes to society and the economy. With better investment in the sector, we will be able to continue helping students prepare for their chosen careers by developing talent in our most in-demand industries which will form a significant part of the economic recovery from the pandemic and post-Brexit.” 

The ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign is a partnership between the AoC, National Union of Students (NUS), Association of College and School Leaders (ASCL), University and Colleges Union (UCU), Unison, GMB, TUC and National Education Union (NEU). 

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “This year has been unprecedented in every way, but colleges have risen to all the challenges thrown at them. Colleges Week is a celebration of all the amazing things colleges do day in day out for students, employers and communities. It’s also about recognising just how important colleges are, as we rebuild for a better future through retraining, skills and education.” 

Southwark College students and staff will be celebrating with a series of performances and exhibitions.