Pupils lead with empathy and compassion through community action
This winter, pupils and staff from Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East pledged to spread kindness and tackle food poverty as part of their annual Winter Gift Programme. Guided by a strong sense of service, the school community worked collaboratively to support vulnerable individuals and families during the coldest months and make a meaningful difference across Birmingham.
One of the most powerful and memorable experiences of the programme saw pupils take part in The Big Sleep Out at Millennium Point, organised by youth homelessness charity St Basils. In preparation, pupils were sponsored by family members, friends and the wider community, raising vital funds to support young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Joining more than 300 participants from local businesses, schools, families and community groups, pupils endured a wet and uncomfortable night outdoors, constructing makeshift shelters and sleeping under open skies to raise both funds and awareness.
One pupil reflected: “Although this one night didn’t come close to replicating the reality of sleeping rough, it gave us all a glimpse into the harsh conditions many young people face when they have nowhere else to go. Unlike them, we still had access to toilets, hot drinks and the comfort of heading home to a warm shower and bed in the morning, which reminded us to be grateful for the comfort and security we often take for granted.”
Alongside fundraising raising awareness, pupils fulfilled their pledge to help reduce food poverty by collecting a wide range of essential items. Donations included non-perishable food, warm slippers and socks, toiletries, towels, duvets and pillows, as well as extra treats to bring some comfort during the winter season. These items were donated to local food banks supported by Our Community Foundation and to Naseby Youth Centre, ensuring support reached those who needed it most.
Through collaboration with the Food Justice Network Birmingham, pupils also prepared and delivered carefully packaged gift hampers to local care homes. Staff and residents at Abbey Court Care, Country Court, Yardley Grange Nursing Home and Heartlands Nursing Home warmly welcomed the hampers, expressing their gratitude for the generosity and continued support shown by Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy.
The spirit of appreciation extended beyond charitable giving, as pupils took time to recognise the contributions of local leaders and community figures. A visit to Birmingham City Council House in Victoria Square gave pupils the opportunity to meet Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE JP, and Deputy Mayor Councillor Sharon Thompson FIoL, where they personally thanked them for their service to the city. Pupils also met with Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, to acknowledge his work supporting students, young people and communities across the region.
Akhmed Hussain, Principal at Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham, said: “Our Winter Gift Programme reflects the values we strive to instil in our pupils every day. I am incredibly proud of how they approached this initiative with humility, empathy and a genuine desire to serve others. Whether through fundraising, volunteering or charitable giving, our pupils demonstrated a deep appreciation for what they have and a strong sense of responsibility towards those less fortunate. These experiences are shaping compassionate, socially aware young people, and it is inspiring to see the positive impact they are making within our community.”
The Winter Gift Programme is an annual campaign which sees pupils and staff from every Star Academies school unite to participate in a broad range of charitable giving, acts of kindness and volunteering; all with one simple aim – to make sure no one faces the challenges of winter alone.
