It was back to school for Enfield Caribbean Association (ECA), as the charity organised and facilitated two Careers Days in Edmonton this term, firstly at St John and St James Primary school on the 23^rd of June, and at St Edmunds Catholic Primary school on the 16^th of July.

Year 6 pupils took part in small group workshops with expert professionals in their fields where they asked questions and participated in group activities. The professionals included an accountant, filmmaker, a team of vets, medical doctors, social media influencers, business entrepreneurs, a nutritionist, police officers and a children’s author.

The purpose of the Careers Days is to inspire the children, raise their aspirations and give them access to professionals that they may not have the opportunity to meet. According to Oveta McInnis, chair of ECA, “Pupils from schools in areas like Edmonton often lack chances to connect with accomplished professionals.” McInnis noted that a single conversation at an event like ECA Careers Day could be the spark that sets a young person on a path toward a career in medicine, an Olympic medal, or a future as a successful financier.

In one of the workshops facilitated by local policemen, Mehmet Ganidagli and Andrew Palmer, pupils got the opportunity to use the officer’s virtual reality headset and dress up like a police officer.

According to Shani Glover, Assistant Headteacher at St John and St James, “ECA have facilitated careers days at St John and St James for several years. Each year they bring incredible professionals to speak to our children that make a real impact.

“There are so many options, you can choose to go to university, but there are now options that don’t require you to have an actual degree or official qualifications. it’s really useful for our children to see that there are numerous pathways, they can go into trade. I also think this year is really special, having the police on site, because there are so many myths and opinions on the police, as a result, I think it’s really important to educate the younger generation to make them aware that not all police are bad and they are human beings just like us.”

Metropolitan police officer, Palmer said, “It was a very rewarding experience. It gave us a lot of faith in young people, it was a joy to see and speak to so many educated, polite, respectful young children, it was a joy to come St John and St James school and engage with them.”

Fellow police officer, Ganidagli said, “It was refreshing to come here today to see and work with several different professionals, and hopefully we have positively contributed to the lives of some of the younger people we met today. Many of them asked us some absolutely great questions.”

Dr Joan St John said “Thank you do much for inviting us to the event, looking forward to seeing those future medics, lawyers and professionals in years to come. Keep doing your amazing work, changing lives and opening their minds to possibilities.”

ECA would like to thank Trevor Blackman, the CEO of Edmonton Community Partnership (ECP) for their financial support of the Careers Days, that make it possible.

If you would like ECA to facilitate a Careers Day at your school, then please contact us via info@theeca.org.uk.