Happy New Year!!

Today is a special day. It’s our first anniversary!

I can’t believe it’s been a year since we formed the Academy. And I can’t believe how far we have come over the past 12 months. Not even in my wildest dreams would I have believed that day, the 29 February, that we’d be this close to having a proper independent school within the first two years.

The 29 February is traditionally the day when women are allowed to propose marriage. I proposed something that to me felt even more serious. I was ready to promise John the rest of my life, but I had never felt ready to tangle my finances up with someone else’s. But sometimes it all fits. It all makes sense. John helped me focus my energies on what I’m the most passionate about, and all of a sudden it seemed like building a school of our own would actually be possible. The thought of us establishing a learning environment in which the passion for learning is a goal in itself was too thrilling to let go of. Although he had hinted and suggested and nudged, I decided to face my fears and pop the question: Will you tie the knot with me, baby? And he said yes!

Today we are celebrating by registering a second company and drinking some pink bubbles! But we will also keep working. Over the past year we have worked seven days a week 10-15 hours day, but we have also achieved more in a year than we ever thought we could. And here we are now…

The attention we get is overwhelming. People generously donate things we can sell on eBay, or things we can use in our activities. People volunteering their services. Parents asking if we can help their kids. Young people asking for support and guidance. Young people wanting to launch projects. It’s all heart warming and humbling, but it also shows just how important our work is. And just how desperately we need our own premises. A place where we can be 7 days a week. Our kids need a safe place off the streets where they can chill, play and nurture their passion for learning. They all have it somewhere inside them, but in a world that doesn’t see them for who they are it has been long forgotten.

We believe that every child matters. We are working with young black people to raise aspirations, maximise potential and create opportunities for success. You can help us make a difference! Give them some of your time. Give them some of your old stuff that you don’t need or use anymore – we will sell it to raise money and use what we can in our activities. Chip in a little bit of money – even if it’s just a few pennies. Then when we raise our glasses to celebrate our second anniversary we will be doing it on our own premises. Together.

Happy New Year!

//Evalena