101 Reasons to Celebrate!

Six outstanding Walsall College Supported Learning students hosted an end of year party in celebration of the 101 Project on 8th July. During the party, the students received silver certificates for achieving 75 of their 101 tasks, presented by Vice principal, Jat Sharma.

101 is a sponsorship based project, where six students with physical and learning disabilities are undertaking 101 challenges many people take for granted. These have ranged from pressing a button to cross the road or making a cup of tea, to being a CSI agent for the afternoon and external visits, including Green Lane Police Station, Walsall Art Gallery and canoeing.

All sponsorship money raised from the project will be invested in the very latest specialist equipment to enhance the students’ learning experience, including specialist shake resistant cameras and video equipment.

Support for the project has been exceptional, far surpassing original expectations, with the Mayor of Walsall Gary Clarke selecting 101 as one of his chosen charities, along with a range of support and donations from local people and businesses. The current total is a massive £845.70, which is expected to increase further with the Mayor’s support. Also in attendance on the day were College Governors, Madeleine Holland and Judith Ashley who have provided a tremendous amount of support for the project.

Deborah Tovey, Inclusive Support Manager at Walsall College and project coordinator, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the 101 Project. The students have doing a terrific job in fundraising and achieving their 101 tasks which most of us take for granted. The project has allowed students to take complete ownership of the project, from the initial idea to the design of logo. This fundraiser is particularly inspirational as the students’ disabilities have meant that each task was a real personal challenge, taking hard work and commitment to achieve it”.

Deborah added: “The exceptional level of sponsorship and donations we have received will mean that the students can not only buy all the items on their wish list, but we can also invest in a new heated green house. We would like to thank everybody for their support in turning the project into such a success!”