Tony Reeves explains how a Bradford education project is building aspirations among young people in the city.
In January 2009, as part of its Year of Education, City of Bradford MDC initiated and led the ‘b someone' campaign to create and sustain a universal culture of learning, aspiration and achievement in the district.
The first strand of the campaign, b someone for your child's future, concentrated on younger children and getting parents involved with their children's learning. The second phase, b someone for your future, is aimed at 13 to 19-year-olds. Launched last October (2009), the campaign celebrates young people's achievements and inspires them to develop their talents and follow their dreams.
It encourages them to take responsibility for their own educational attainment and skills, supported by parents, teachers, training providers and local employers. Educational attainment and skills development are top priorities for the local strategic partnership. Well-educated and skilled young people bring benefits to the whole community.
Early evaluation of the impact of the campaign indicates it is working – with two-thirds of young people questioned saying it had made them think about the choices they have in life.
The b someone campaign is led and co-ordinated by the council, with support from a range of private, public and third sector partners, including local schools, colleges, the University of Bradford, local employers,
