Debanma Supplementary School

As an OBV intern, I am lucky enough to write about a number of issues that concern BAME communities; it is something that I take great pleasure in. So when the opportunity arose to write about Debanma Supplementary School, a school set up by volunteers, which I was fortunate enough to be a part of, I could not be happier.

Debanma Supplementary School (DSS) was set up to cater for the Eritrean community in London, however it underwent a transformation at all levels in 2008, and is now a fully fledged educational project managed by volunteers in community, not only supporting students through the national curriculum but also mentoring through character building workshops and activities.

In my time as an admin assistant at DSS, I fully realised the scale of hard work that goes into running a fantastic charitable organisation on very limited funds. Despite mainly receiving funds from modest student fees, the school is an excellent example of what can be achieved through dedication and determination. DSS prides itself on ensuring the specific needs of all students are met, and that all tutors are qualified, trained and monitored.

Moreover, inclusivity is at the heart of the school, despite its Eritrean roots, DSS ‘promotes diversity wherever possible and welcomes students from any background,’ this I found to be a very admirable quality indeed.

DSS’ great work was recognised when they were awarded the ‘Quality National Framework Bronze Award’. The award demonstrates a supplementary school that has all the necessary procedures and policies in place to run efficiently. The school hopes to achieve the Gold Award this year, which would certainly illustrate the huge progression it is making in such a short space of time.

DSS are currently attempting to expand their base of volunteers; they are holding the DSS Open Day on Saturday 16th April 2011. The school is looking for support in a range of areas; the open day welcomes potential tutors or mentors, young people looking for work experience, sportsmen or women – the list is endless. Anyone who is interested in supporting Debanma Supplementary School in achieving its goals is welcome.

DSS director Susan Yassin states, ‘DSS has the vision to inspire young people and help develop future leaders. By reaching out to people of all ages and backgrounds and working with motivated and committed volunteers we believe that our ambitious goals are achievable “.

It definitely sounds like something you would want to be part of.

To get involved please contact: Hamid Omar, tel: 07846443288; or email: debanma_ss@hotmail.co.uk.  Facebook event: DSS Open Day 2011.

Mohand Nour