This week, our A Level students completing the Social Action Pathway welcomed Tony Hobden, CEO of Shiva Charity, which raises funds to support children and communities in Nepal. The session gave students a first-hand insight into the impact that fundraising and charitable work can have on communities and the importance of taking action to support others.

As part of Weston College’s Sixth Form, students complete an enrichment pathway alongside their A Levels, providing opportunities to broaden their understanding of wider issues, develop new skills and make a positive contribution to their community.

The Social Action Pathway enables students to plan and deliver their own initiatives to raise money and awareness for charities and causes that matter to them. Working independently or as part of a group, students have the freedom to choose their own focus and take responsibility for developing their ideas from conception through to delivery.

During the session, Tony shared his experiences of raising awareness and funds for Shiva Charity, whose work in Nepal focuses on improving access to education through building and maintaining schools, child sponsorship and teacher training. The charity is also providing emergency support following the devastating landslides and flooding across the Rasuwa region and Central Nepal.

Tony also spoke about his latest fundraising challenge, Scoot 4 Nepal, which will see him ride 1,000km across Nepal over 10 days on a pink scooter to raise funds for clean drinking water systems in rural schools. His target is to raise £80,000 to install and maintain 50 water purification systems, with around £40,000 already raised through the campaign.

The session encouraged students to consider how they can create meaningful change through their own Social Action projects. As they develop their initiatives, students will build a range of transferable skills, from communication, marketing and event organisation to leadership, teamwork, time management and problem-solving. They will also gain confidence in taking an idea from planning to action, adapting to challenges along the way.

Most importantly, the pathway encourages students to recognise that making a difference is not always about the size of an initiative, but the positive impact it can have on others. Whether supporting an established charity, raising awareness of an important issue or giving back to their local community, students are empowered to take action on causes they are passionate about.

Nicola Stent, Sixth Form Lecturer and Head of the Social Action Pathway, said: “The Social Action Pathway gives students a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference while developing skills and experiences that will support them beyond Sixth Form. It encourages them to look beyond themselves, understand the importance of empathy and compassion, and recognise the impact they can have within their community. By planning and delivering their own initiatives, students develop valuable employability and life skills, while seeing first-hand that raising awareness and inspiring others to get involved can be just as important as raising money.”

A huge thank you to Tony for taking the time to share his journey with the students and encouraging them to get involved.

This pathway forms part of the Sixth Form Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.