Hope in Haringey and Tottenham Food Bank were selected recipients of a student fundraising effort for Gladesmore’s annual International Culture and Diversity Day.
By Omar Alleyne-Lawler, Communications and Police Engagement Manager
Hope in Haringey’s work at Gladesmore Community School was recognised at the school’s third annual International Culture and Diversity Day.
Selected as one of only two celebrated charities, a schoolwide fundraising effort took place to help support both Hope in Haringey and Tottenham Food Bank.
Communications and Police Engagement Omar Alleyne-Lawler attended, welcomed warmly by Ms.Norton as the Charity received £500 in student donations
Hope in Haringey’s inclusion in the annual celebration came after a school Governors’ meeting, with the final selection being made by Ms. Norton who believed “Hope in Haringey perfectly reflects the type of work and ethical attitudes we want celebrated at Gladesmore.”
These values were on full display during the International Culture and Diversity Day. With every class pouring into the assembly hall, students were invited to showcase their cultural heritage. Singing traditional songs and displaying dance routines from around the world, students and staff sharedpersonal stories that spanned generations and five continents.
This display of international solidarity, unity and respect marked a positive moment in the school as it celebrated the truly international contributions that make up Gladesmore.
For Hope in Haringey, this event felt like an extended celebration of the work the charity has been delivering at the school and in Haringey as a whole.
This year, the Tottenham-based charity delivered a bespoke Police Engagement programme that saw students request the engagements they wanted from officers. Wanting to speak with officers and leadership about their actions against racism in the Met, HiH can report that attendee confidence in the police increased by 18% in Gladesmore among 13 & 14 year olds.
Also attending on behalf of Hope in Haringey was Chair of Trustees, John Stevenson and Communications and Police Engagement Manager, Omar Alleyne-Lawler. At the event, Omar would say, “Hope in Haringey is proud to be selected by Gladesmore for this wonderful event. It is refreshing to see that difference is seen as a strength, and believing that Hope in Haringey enhances this approach is deeply affirming. As an organisation, we believe that everyone is worthy of respect, and I am proud to stand alongside Gladesmore as they share this value. We are excited to continue working with Gladesmore in the new academic year.”
As part of the event, Gladesmore’s student body raised money for both charities, with Hope in Haringey receiving £500 from the student’s fundraising drive.