The Society has an excellent reputation in creating opportunities and giving an insight to young people into university, especially to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The reason for creating the Saturday Club lies at the Government’s decision to raise tuition fees, and the common perception that many young people will be deterred from coming to university, it was felt that Students’ Union’s
could do more to promote the accessibility and opportunities available for teenagers to come to University. In addition to this, there was a general feeling that SOAS offers a wide range of different perspectives than can supplement the more Eurocentric syllabus that British teenagers are taught at school. Many of these perspectives emanate from more ‘esoteric’ subjects, which may not appear particularly lucrative to the individual student in a more market-based model of education. There were 41 students between the ages of 14-17 who attended one of the four Saturday sessions which ran from 5th-26th March, and 33 students completed all four weeks of the programme. They came from one of four institutions, two schools (Maria Fidelis in Euston and Hendon School), one church (Highway for Holiness in Tottenham) and one youth group (Synergy Centre in Camberwell). Community organizing group North London Citizens helped to identify the students and put them in touch with SOAS Students’ Union. The programme was based on a voluntary basis with everyone giving up their weekends for free.There were 51 SOAS Students who volunteered to teach in the programme, this consisted of 38 undergraduates, 9 master students and 4 PHD students. Each afternoon was split up into four sections consisting of forty minutes. The sessions varied from Languages, History and Cultures, Contemporary Issues and workshops (Film-making, radio, music (West African drumming, song writing and samba), first aid, How to set up a business?, How to community organise, DJ’ing)
Last year’s outcome was positive but also had many points of improvement as this was the first year it was organised. It has been suggested by the teachers and participants on the programme that we organise a summer school to build upon the progress made during the Saturday Club. This will consist of a four-day programme taking place during June or July. The programme will consist of language and culture sessions in the mornings and social activities in the afternoon including dance, sport and music. We are currently in the process of searching for a small amount of funding to facilitate the project. We would be really pleases if you want to contribute to this wonderful project which has made a base at SOAS and is there to continue. Yours sincerely,
The Honourable Clarence James MC Tan
