Winning team from MGS with Dr Timothy Schroder, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company
We were delighted to learn that Manchester Grammar School boys, who volunteer in our language classes for the survivors of human trafficking, have been given a prestigious national award for this community work by The Goldsmith’s Company, one of the twelve major Livery Companies of the City of London.
Over forty different schools around the country competed. Regional heats were held, and the final was held on June 25th at Goldsmith’s Hall in London. The judges commended the amazing work of all the entrants. In awarding first place the judges praised the MGS team for their presentation and for the impact that the initiative has had on the local community and the vulnerable adults involved, as well as on the pupils themselves.
Students proudly display the certificate of their achievement after a celebratory lunch at MGS
In receiving the award Harrison Kaye, one of the MGS students said “Being a part of this project at St Chrysostom’s and seeing its impact week on week has been extremely gratifying and I’m sure the whole team would agree that it’s been a highlight of our time at MGS. We’ve faced a variety of challenges… and learned much and gained so many different skills in the process. To be recognised on a national platform in this way is incredible….”
Mrs Vivienne Horsfield, Assistant Head at MGS, with responsibility for the School’s Charity and Outreach Programme, said: “I am delighted for the boys. To win this award is such an honour and I, and everybody at MGS, are so proud of this outstanding group of young men. They are passionate about this issue. It’s an inspiring project and to see, first hand, the difference it has made is a privilege.
At the language classes in Church
Fr Ian commented “At St Chrysostom’s we love to serve our community, and build bridges between the different parts of it. We are delighted to work with MGS in this partnership with the Medaille Trust and it is wonderful that the students’ work has been recognised in this very special way. I am very grateful to the students and their teachers, for their part in supporting this very important local need and especially grateful to our churchwarden, Alan Beck, for the work he does in coordinating the English classes for survivors of trafficking and guiding all the volunteers.”
On their return to Manchester the MGS students celebrated their success at a special lunch at school attended by school staff, old boys and Fr Ian and Alan.
The MGS team received a beautiful award in gold, specially designed by the artist and gold craftsman Tom Fattorini, as well as a £3000 prize to support the continuation and expansion of the project at St Chrysostom’s Church.
St Chrysostom's Church News and Views 