Escapades with the fire service were among the activities enjoyed by girls taking part in Manchester's RECLAIM project. Pic © RECLAIM, Urbis
The latest young success stories from Manchester Urbis’s award-winning RECLAIM project celebrated their achievements in a graduation ceremony at the centre on Sunday (February 15 2009).
30 girls aged 12-14 from six schools in the Moss Side and South Manchester areas have tackled self-respect and common misconceptions in a scheme launched in June last year, resulting in the production of an anti-stereotype manifesto voicing life lessons of positivity and strength.
Members of the scheme handed out their manifesto. Pic © RECLAIM, Urbis
It is the first female-focused campaign by RECLAIM, following the widespread acclaim won by their pilot scheme with boys.
“I feel like there is a new addition to my family because of this process,” said Cara Hayes, an events and exhibitions technician at Urbis who was one of 15 local women partnered with one of the girls in a mentor role during six months of activities including fire service training, mock job interviews and fashion shows.
Self respect and stepping up to challenges were among the themes of the manifesto created by the girls. Pic © RECLAIM, Urbis
“The initial three months of the project has turned into six and I know they will turn into years,” she added. “My mentee has given me strength and understanding, and I think together we have grown.”
One of the participants, 14-year-old Sinead, called RECLAIM “a seatbelt to my life.” “It’s saved me when I was heading towards trouble,” she admitted. “Children need projects like this because it gives us a better outlook on life. We are the next generation, and this project has pushed us in the right direction.”
A graduation ceremony at Urbis marked the success of the scheme. Pic © Merry Swarbrick
The girls were encouraged to challenge their self-limitations, aiming for previously inconceivable forages into areas such as law and medicine.
“I have really enjoyed being part of this project, I feel so fortunate and privileged to be part of such an inspiring team that is dedicated in supporting young school girls,” said Coretta Edusie, a physiotherapy student who became involved after seeing a poster in a shop in Hulme.
Mentors from the local community gained equal satisfaction from the project. Pic © Merry Swarbrick
“During my high school years I wish I could have benefitted from having a mentor to guide, inspire and motivate me. I am glad that I was given this opportunity to apply my previous experience throughout my academic years to young girls, and see the transformation of from how they first were back in June to now.”
