Driving Change
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FORMING A PERSON, CHANGING THE WORLD
I
am hugely proud to be a Fellow of
develop deep knowledge and skilful means
Homerton. As a College we believe
to lead, innovate and understand complex
in our students, in their potential to
systems that will be of real value in the
shape the world for the better: not just
world. I never cease to be impressed by the
academically, but practically and in ways
young people whom I meet – their drive,
that benefit everyone. Philanthropic
determination, and talent. And with your
support is helping us create the
support we can make sure people like them
Changemakers Programme, which will
continue to join us and flourish as part
give our students the opportunity to
of Homerton.
Dr Alison Wood Academic Director, Homerton Changemakers
“As a College we believe in our students, in their potential to shape the world for the better…” 3
“The knowledge I gained, the experiences I had and the links I made will be a big part of shaping my future, and my future work.� 4
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITY
I
want the future to be one of equality.
I wrote to the College asking for help.
I have spent a year fundraising for Unicef
They gave me a grant that enabled me
UK as President of the Cambridge Unicef
to attend and supported me through the
Uk On Campus Society, and am a proud
whole process, even putting me in touch
volunteer of the National Council of Women,
with amazing and helpful alumni in New
a women’s rights organisation founded in
York working in relevant areas (including
1895. When I was offered the opportunity
the UN). The knowledge I gained, the
to attend the UN Commission on the Status
experiences I had and the links I made will
of Women as a delegate for the National
be a big part of shaping my future, and
Council of Women, I knew it was a life-
my future work. Supporting Homerton
changing opportunity to learn more about
gives students like me the opportunity
the challenges people and governments
to make the most of our time here at
face as well as understanding the process of
the College, and allows us to pursue
negotiations that makes change happen – but
the skills and experiences to continue
I would not be able to afford it.
making a difference when we leave.
Helena Trenkic ` BA History, 2nd Year
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“I feel like I’m so well supported here, that I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” Daniya Ahmed, BA History, 1st Year
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CATCHING ME BEFORE I FALL
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upport from Homerton made a
That’s when my College stepped in.
huge difference to me. When I
Luckily, the College had funds for people
arrived from Bangladesh for my
in my position.
Masters, I relied on my family to fund me. However, someone close to me fell ill, after
With that support, I completed my course
which that money wasn’t available anymore.
and was later accepted on a PhD, fully
I was mid-way through my Masters, learning
funded by the Cambridge Trust. Without
things no other course could offer me, with
Homerton, I would never have finished my
a brilliant supervisor, in a great community.
Masters, and never have been able to get on to this PhD. I’m proud to be at what I
I knew that if I couldn’t find the funds,
call my Cambridge Home – Homerton.
I would never be able to pick up where I had left off.
Anonymous Postgraduate Biological Science
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“Cambridge is a wonderful place to be but it is not cheap and the need for financial support grows ever greater.� 10
PAYING IT FORWARD
T
here’s no doubt that Homerton
since then. Cambridge is a wonderful place
has had a huge effect on my life.
to be but it is not cheap and the need for
I arrived as a rather naïve young
financial support grows ever greater.
man with an idealistic vision of teaching and schools but coming here and spending time
This is why I make a monthly donation.
in schools completely changed how I saw
Homerton’s support network allows the
education and society. Although I never
College to help those who need it most and
taught, I’ve spent my entire working life in
can make the process fair and accessible – and
education and enjoyed it enormously.
with greater diversity comes greater success. It’s also exciting that Homerton still has a
Lack of proper student financial support
willingness to keep reviewing what is offered
is a genuine obstacle to access to higher
to students and how to help them fulfil their
education. When I was President of
potential. Given the College’s distinguished
HUS in 1989 we campaigned against
history in education it is absolutely appropriate
student loans but the campaign was
that it should drive change today towards
unsuccessful and the financial landscape
an accessible educational experience with
for many students has become bleaker
relevance to the demands of the 21st century.
James Thomson BEd, 1987 11
Development Office, Homerton College, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 8PH T: 01223 747280 E: development@homerton.cam.ac.uk www.homerton.cam.ac.uk Registered Charity 1137497 12