Stephen’s story is both challenging and inspirational. He was a normal young person who made the most of everyday opportunities. Although his life was short, Stephen provides a positive role model of a life well lived. Tragically, his dream of becoming an architect was never realised. On 22 April 1993, at the age of just 18, Stephen was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack.
In line with this year’s Stephen Lawrence Day theme, ‘The Power of Learning’, the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation (SLDF) has partnered with English Speaking Board (International) Ltd to showcase the power of offering young people the opportunity to find, and use their voice, to express themselves clearly and confidently.
As part of the partnership, learners in the ‘Sprint 2 Success’ programme run by 7PK —a voluntary group of like-minded young people aged 16-21 who study and live in London, and who wish to develop both personally and professionally—participated in a two-day oracy workshop hosted by ESB’s partner organisation ‘The Oracy Workshops’.
ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw:
We are so honoured that the SLDF has chosen us as one of its partners. For ESB, the power of human connection and finding your voice is central to what we do at ESB. We believe that the potential of every child and young person to communicate effectively, to find the right words to convey their thoughts, voice their fears, challenges, ideas and hopes, ask questions, and challenge people in power, is essential in today’s world.
The SLDF want to work with us as we share a common belief in empowering individuals with the necessary skills and experiences to communicate with confidence, so that when the opportunity arises, they can express themselves effectively and make their voices heard.
The loss of young lives like Stephen’s, due to racism and violence, is something we still mourn to this day. Therefore, the chance for ESB to work with incredible young individuals and equip them with the necessary skills to support them to reach their full potential is of great importance to us.
Jessica Neil, Chief Executive – SLDF:
The oracy workshops conducted by our SLD partner, ESB, in honour of Stephen Lawrence Day, underscore the transformative power of young voices when they are uplifted by effective communication and articulation. These workshops not only equip young people with essential skills but also empower them to navigate and excel in various aspects of their lives. We are immensely grateful for ESB’s dedication to breaking down barriers and providing young people with the opportunity to amplify their voices. This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation to shape a brighter future.
The importance of oracy skills was highlighted by the following comments made by the young people on the day:
Iona: “When young people are not given a chance to improve their speaking and listening skills, they may struggle to advocate for themselves or set boundaries with others. Without these skills, they will not be able to communicate their needs effectively.”
Danielle: “The oracy workshop was highly engaging and interactive, providing a valuable insight into how to convey messages effectively, and in a meaningful way.”
These are some of the impacts of poor communication (Oracy) and English language skills on learning, life and work:
Good levels of communication and language are essential for learning and academic achievement – children who have difficulties with speaking and listening are four times less likely to gain a qualification in English and Maths.
Communication rich experiences are required to help children, young people and adults find their voice; developing confidence, self- esteem and self-respect. The pandemic adversely impacted these experiences for those children already living with socio economic disadvantage- Good levels of communication are often in the top three skills that employers want but don’t feel that employees have to a high enough standard.
Good levels of communication and language are further challenged by disadvantage – socio-economic, special educational needs and disabilities and people whose first language isn’t English. Sadly these often act as barriers to educational attainment and aspirations.
Adds ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina:
ESB really wants to use this working opportunity with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation to honour Stephen’s stolen potential and to give all young people the chance to find their voice and reach their potential, and we are so humbled and privileged to work in partnership with the SLDF.
About English Speaking Board (International)
English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. is committed to empowering children, young people and adults with oracy and English language skills, enabling them to achieve their aspirations and attain a confidence-building qualification. ESB can demonstrate the impact of these skills and the confidence they develop to realise potential of all and close the disadvantage gap.
English Speaking Board (International) Ltd. is a specialist Ofqual registered Awarding Organisation with over 70 years of expertise in exclusively creating, assessing and awarding qualifications for English language and Oracy. It supports over 200 schools and colleges, charities and Not for Profit organisations in the UK and internationally, assessing 40,000 learners each year to build the knowledge and skills of their communities, to have lifelong confidence to connect with people through communication, and to find their voice.
About Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation
The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation is committed to creating a fairer society in which all young people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to flourish. By providing mentoring, coaching, work experience opportunities, and bursaries for education and training, the Foundation broadens young people’s view of what’s possible, and creates pathways into education and career opportunities which might not otherwise be open to them. The Foundation empowers young people with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications they need to pursue the career of their choice, and supports them to progress along their chosen path. Find out more at www.stephenlawrenceday.org.
Want to find out more?
If you would like further information as to how your young people could benefit from a confidence-boosting communication qualification, please get in touch with a member of our Business Strategy Team at business@esbuk.org who would be more than happy to arrange a meeting with you to discuss this opportunity. You can also find out if your centre qualifies for financial support through our Outreach Programme. Alternatively, you can download and fill out the enquiry form by clicking here.
We look forward to discussing how we can work together to empower your young people to find their voice and help them achieve their full potential!
