On 16th November 2021, the Raheem Sterling Foundation opened its doors for the first time, with a celebratory launch at Raheem’s former high school Ark Elvin Academy in Brent.
Pupils at Ark Elvin Academy took centre stage meeting Raheem at Wembley Park, in front of the recently unveiled Olympic Steps that lead to Wembley Stadium, after completing a 1-mile Power of 7 walk from the school to the stadium. A journey Raheem will never forget.
On their journey, they walked down Wembley Park’s transformed Olympic Way, visited seven plinths (each one a reference to The power of 7), and learnt all about the #BoyFromBrent, the Foundation’s backstory and Raheem’s vision for the future.
In the past year, the Foundation has celebrated many milestones, and linked with many amazing partners.
With Ark Elvin Academy, the Foundation has launched a mentoring programme that will enable one-to-one mentoring sessions for 10 year 11 students, helping them with everything from school work, home life and personal struggles. A group of local mentors dedicated 1 hour each week to speaking and supporting the students.
In addition, £5000 has been donated to the school’s community kitchen initiative, to give pupils, their families and local communities a place to meet and enjoy a three-course meal for free every Wednesday across the winter months.
Also, in collaboration with the mindfulness app Headspace, a custom-built meditation room has been built and dedicated to the students, teachers and local youth groups to enjoy and practice the art of meditation, in a bid to encourage better mental health within the school, and a place students can take time out, prayer and relax in a safe and welcoming space.
The Foundation has launched partnerships with HideOut Youth Zone, Manchester, talkSPORT and Youth Justice Legal Centre, which has brought an abundance of opportunities including a youth broadcast academy, which is helping young people learn the ins and outs of sports media with talkSPORT. Also, access to tools and guidance for young people seeking support within the criminal justice system from Youth Justice Legal Centre.
And this is just the beginning.
The next 12 months will bring to life many hours of planning of projects and partnerships that we cannot wait to share.
Created from Raheem’s vision and dedication to championing the next generation, The Raheem Sterling Foundation is here to educate, empower and inspire young people to become better prepared for the future and to embrace opportunities to achieve greater social mobility.
Our #BoyfromBrent is dedicated to changing the lives of young people and giving them opportunities for a better and prosperous future.
