Team GB Paralympian Andy Barrow to speak at Lambeth Children's University graduation
Andy Barrow will discuss the benefits of introducing young people to higher education at the Lambeth Children's University graduation held at LSBUWheelchair Rugby champion and triple Paralympian, Andy Barrow, will speak at the annual Lambeth Children's University graduation held at London South Bank University (LSBU).
Lambeth Children's University graduation – taking place on Thursday 18 June – will see over 100 children from schools around Lambeth recognised for going the extra mile in education.
Over the past few months, the children were provided with exciting and innovative learning activities to encourage the view of university as a place where young people can succeed in higher education and be recognised for their achievements.
Keynote speaker, Andy Barrow, will deliver a talk on the importance of children being introduced to higher education at a young age as well as presenting the students with their graduation certificates and rewards.
Andy – who is also a patron of Lambeth Children's University – said: "It is a tremendous privilege to be asked to speak and present awards at the Lambeth Children's University at LSBU. The branch has done much good work to enrich the lives of children and the children have responded with such enthusiasm. To see work in progress is rewarding for all involved."
Andy started playing Wheelchair Rugby in 1998 following a spinal cord injury during a Rugby game the previous year. The accident left him paralysed from the chest down with limited use of his hands. As a member of London Wheelchair Rugby Club, he was selected to train with the GB squad in 1999 and went on to compete in international championships.
The children have been gathering credits for their learning hours. Those who have successfully completed 30, 65 and 100 hours of extra-curricular activities will be rewarded with bronze, silver and gold certificates at the formal graduation ceremony. The children will have the chance to experience all the academic traditions, including wearing robes and mortarboards, as well as having photographs taken with Andy as a permanent reminder of their big day.
Professor Rao Bhamidimarri, Vice President (Development ) of LSBU and Chancellor of Lambeth Children's University, said: "We are honoured to show our support to the Lambeth Children's University. The enthusiasm and hard work shown by the young people who have taken part is truly an inspiration to us all. The programme emphasises that higher education is an attainable dream for people of all backgrounds. We hope to see many of the faces we'll see on Thursday studying with us in the years to come."