Students from Harrow College have taken part in a ceremony celebrating their graduation from InspirEngage's 'Social Enterprise Revolution'.
The students were recognised for their involvement in the social enterprise scheme, founded by former The Apprentice contestant Melody Hossaini, at the refectory at Harrow on the Hill campus on Wednesday 11 June.
Shortly before the students received their certificates they showcased their social enterprise projects to staff and students.
Harrow College joined InspirEngage’s Social Enterprise Revolution as a means of embedding social enterprise into the curriculum and to help create innovative pathways into work for students.
Hair and Beauty, Business and Construction students completed eight InspirEngage ‘bootcamps’ covering essential modules to equip them with the skills and support they needed to launch their own social enterprise projects.
Sharam Moafaq, Level 1 multiskills construction student said "The 'bootcamps' were very good, I enjoyed working in a group and they helped improve both my communication and team building skills."
The InspirEngage team have supported students in their understanding of social enterprise and helping them appreciate the importance in connecting to the community to create positive change.
During their course the students had the opportunity to learn from InspirEngage mentors and successful entrepreneurs, such as Hannah Catmur and Seun Oshinaike.
Hossaini said that she had seen a radical change in the skills and enthusiasm of the students over the course’s duration.
“Amidst a time when there is so much pressure on educational institutions to think innovatively about pathways into work for students, I would like to congratulate Harrow College for adopting social enterprise within their curriculum. This is a very bold step which we feel sets a very positive example for others,” Hossaini said. “Over the course of the year, we have seen positive development in the students, and feel Social Enterprise Revolution finally offers the opportunity for formal education and creative social enterprise to collide.”
Photos from the graduation ceremony can be found here.