Pupils step up for cultural challenge
TEENAGERS spent a day learning about other cultures as part of an ongoing Apprentice-style challenge.
The 15 and 16-year-olds at Mitchell Business and Enterprise College, in Bucknall, are spending most of their final year at school completing a series of tasks to be in with the chance of landing one of six summer jobs with local firms.
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Yesterday, the remaining 12 pupils – cut down from an original group of 20 – were taught about diversity and the importance of respecting all members of society for their latest challenge.
They were given a tour of Tunstall mosque and given a talk by Sheikh Mohammed Hanif Maqqani Koreeni about religion.
Later, the wannabe apprentices were treated to an Afro-Caribbean style lunch at North Staffs Afro-Caribbean Community Organisation centre in Cannon Place, Hanley, where they chatted with regulars at the centre.
Darts ace Phil Taylor, who is supporting the project, also stopped by to see how the youngsters were getting on with the competition.
The teenagers were being marked on how well they socialised with people from other ethnic backgrounds.
The Step Up competition is the idea of WaterWorld owner Mo Chaudry and teachers at the Mitchell College, and aims to improve the aspirations of young people in the city.
Mr Chaudry, who gave the teenagers a talk about business inspiration as part of the day, said: "We really want to make a difference and give young people in this city the tools to succeed in life.
"I started with zilch and probably came from a worse background than these kids so there is no reason why they can't make it in life.
"But to be successful, they have to learn to work and get along with people from all backgrounds in life, and that is what today is about."
WaterWorld is one of the firms promising summer jobs at the end of the project.
Others include The Moat House in Festival Park, Aspire Housing, Steelite International, Tile Giant and North Staffordshire YMCA.
Julia Ledingham, enterprise co-ordinator at Mitchell, said she had been impressed with how the children had handled the day.
She said: "They have all shown a real interest and willingness to learn about other communities and I think the visit to the mosque in particular opened the eyes of a lot of them.
"The competition is giving them something different to motivate them and has been very successful so far."
YMCA chief executive Daniel Flynn said: "This part of the competition is all about improving community cohesion and relationships.
"We want to create opportunities for young people in this city."
The six winners of the summer jobs will be announced in the summer.
6 Comments
by MRS AHMED, stoke
Thursday, February 19 2009, 2:42AM
“I agree with u adam. ppl need to wake up”
by Adam, Stoke-On-Trent
Monday, February 16 2009, 8:02AM
“lol isn¿t it funny as soon as something "culture related" comes in the papers, you get some narrow minded people who just want to show their arrogance and you know what it¿s not needed!
Firstly these students are not being brainwashed at all! They all educated by the best means by being practical and seeing the ¿world for themselves¿! And they need encouragement not your negativity! Michael I¿m not sure if u ever when to school? But we did learn allot about the British; (I think you find we know more than you), However if u ever walked out of your "one way street" you may realise that you live in a multi-cultural society, hence the need to interact, understand different communities, cultures and religion; But if u ever looked at the facts - You would know that the typical "white British person aged 20-35" are not interested in their own religion; So unfortunately if you want to teach British culture/religion then stop watching Conoration street for the past 40 years and teach rather than complaining all the time! And Mark yes....I think I have said enough! lol.
I totally agree with Rhianna, and that these students are getting a chance to experience "reality" and not a fantasy that you may see on you the media about such culture/religion! I believe that the experience these students are gaining will help them in their future success - because with greater knowledge, comes greater intelligence. Comes greater opportunities, comes the true success within you. So All the best to the students success! Lucky gits! I never got this opportunity at my business school! ¿ Oh Well it¿s good to see ideas I had like this coming to light. :)”
by Rhianna, Abbey Hulton
Saturday, February 14 2009, 12:15AM
“tbh i think your all wrong, as one of the students to take part in this trip i found it amazing, we should be taught about these subjects in more detail, people in our school follow this religion, yet we don't understand it how is that fair?, yet again you guys are too quick too judge just like the pizza story all over again, this is good press yet its made bad for no reason :@ x”
by crone, newcastle
Friday, February 13 2009, 12:49PM
“All part of the brainwashing process, oops! enriching process like Michael says it all seem to be a one way street”
by Michael, Newcastle
Friday, February 13 2009, 12:07PM
“Why is it that we are always the ones expected to learn about tolerance to other religions and cultures when they refuse to learn and understand British culture and religious beleifs. You only gain respect by giving respect and this is a one way street.”
by Mark, Stoke
Friday, February 13 2009, 12:00AM
“Just glad that my daughter has left school last year.
Enough said.”