Here at First Give we know that our school, student and charity partners are the best people to tell us the impact of our programme. Here are just a few of the things they had to say about the difference First Give has made to them this year in our Sparks of Social Consciousness 2023/24.
Student sparks
“First Give really gave me so much confidence. I was so scared at first, presenting in front of everyone, but when I got up there I wasn’t scared anymore. It was great! Our form is so close and I think First Give brought us closer together.”
“I feel more confident talking to others and sharing ideas. I was made a team leader for the research group and it has helped me to understand how I can lead people.”
“I feel so proud of myself in how I was able to make a difference and build my confidence”
Teacher sparks
“Our students have truly thrived over the course of their engagement with First Give. The programme is developed in a way which enables students to take real ownership right from day one. We would never have imagined that our students would have the maturity to pick some of the issues that they did, such as sexual violence, but in giving that responsibility over to them they have absolutely flourished.”
“What truly stands out is the transformational effect that it has had on those students who may have previously shied away from the spotlight. It has empowered them to recognise the value of their contributions and to embrace their potential for making a difference.”
“First Give really has had a transformational impact on the relationships between classes, between students and their tutors and on students’ confidence – absolutely undeniably.”
‘We feel so lucky as a school to have been able to take part in First Give. It has become a tradition now for our students and they talk about it in later years with great fondness. The programme gives a really simple structure that is easy to fulfil organisationally and yet it also offers opportunity for really deep learning.”
Charity sparks
“They’ve been amazing. I don’t think we’ve ever had a group of people so enthusiastic about raising funds for us.”
“The young people were really proactive, not just in supporting the charity but in terms of their own mental and emotional wellbeing and that of the other students at school – it was phenomenal, I found them so inspirational.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed being part of the First Give process. It was brilliant to see students’ eyes opened to social issues and charities in the local area. The passion and enthusiasm of the students shone through in their social action and presentations. We feel confident that the students involved will build on this introduction to giving back and making a difference and go on to seek out and help good causes in the future.
“Can I just feedback to First Give how lovely this has been? It’s great to tell the students about who we are and what we do, but actually we’ve learnt a lot from them too. They’ve been so passionate and caring, and when we arrived at the final today, we got such a warm welcome from the students. Thank you so much for what you do!”