College Hosts Charity Dinner

On Friday 20th May, Walsall College hosted a Corporation Charity Dinner, held in our renowned Jerome’s Restaurant.

During the evening, College Governors, staff and representatives from local businesses gathered for a special four course dinner to raise money for the Walsall College Trust, supporting students in greatest hardship.

Hospitality and Catering students pulled out all the stops to prepare a top class meal for the VIP guests, with show stopping entertainment provided by talented Performing Arts and Music students. During the evening there were also fundraising games and a raffle, with all proceeds going to the Walsall College Trust.

The Walsall College Trust has been established in order to help give students from all backgrounds the chance to gain skills and succeed, including many who strive to overcome seriously disadvantaged circumstances.

June Morrow, Director of the Learner Journey explained, “We need Walsall College Trust because things are changing rapidly in terms of financial support for students. EMA, a fund which has for the last 6 years given students from the poorest families up to £30.00 a week to continue their educations been abolished. This year alone it has helped 2,432 students to stay in on their programmes.

This level of support has undoubtedly contributed to our phenomenal 16-18 year old success which is now amongst the top 10% in the country. In developing the Trust, Walsall College has found an innovative way of responding to a problem which potentially will have far reaching implications for this town – both economic and social.

The Trust will be a registered charity, with its own board of directors. We very much hope that our business and community partners will be represented on that Board and work with us raise money and distribute it equitably for the continued development of students, businesses and the town.”

Jat Sharma, Vice Principal at Walsall College said: “The Charity Dinner went extremely well and we are delighted to have officially launched our Trust. The event was a fitting showcase for the talents of our students, with fabulous food and entertainment being provided.

“The money raised through the trust will now be used to remove the barriers to education for students in disadvantaged circumstances, raising their aspirations and supporting them in becoming skilled, professional and enterprising. Education has the power to transform lives and the Walsall College Trust will give talented individuals the opportunity to gain skills and unleash their potential”.