The Power of Primary Schools.

I have lived in Bevendean for the past 7 years with my Foster Parents. Growing up I experienced many changes and challenges. I went to several primary schools in Brighton including St Marks, Whitehawk, Coldean and Benfield. At primary school I built relationships with teachers and learning mentors, who would take the time to listen and understand me and I absolutely loved my time at primary school.

Where it started.

When my foster mum Lydia Majic, who is Co-Chair of Governors at Bevendean Primary School and Nursery, told me the school wanted every child to have a t-shirt for PE but they were worried not all families in the school would be able to afford £6 for one t-shirt. I replied, “Well, let's buy them all one.”

When I came into foster care at 13, I often spoke about my experiences at primary school and Lydia helped me visit one of my primary school teachers at Benfield, which was really important to me. Lydia often says that this was one of the reasons she wanted to become a governor at our local primary school.

The Power of a T-shirt.

I would like every child to come to school with a clean t-shirt that fits them. I want them to feel like they are part of a team and a community. Having the right equipment and especially clothing is important and will be a barrier for some children. I want children to feel proud representing their school at sports events. I know that I was supported by Virtual School and Brighton & Hove City Council to buy the right equipment and pay for Boxing sessions, and that made a difference.

The Power of Sport.

Sport has helped me throughout my life, to let off steam, make friends, feel part of a community, it has grown my confidence and helped me through some of the darkest times in my life. Exercise is an important part of leading a healthy life both physically, mentally and emotionally and we need to encourage children in any way we can to participate.

The Power of Boxing.

Boxing was my sport of choice. I would like to inspire children to try different sports and find one they like and enjoy. For the past 10 years boxing has been a huge part of my life. I have won two national championships with the help of my club Moulescoombe Boxing Club. I also attended the DiSE Course at MET (Diploma in Sporting Excellence), run by England Boxing.

The Dream.

The dream would be to raise more than my target so the school has more resources to spend on sport. I would like different clubs or trainers to come into school to give children experiences of different sports. For the school to be able to provide targeted support to children, who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), those who are eligible for free school meals (FSM) and those children who have a social worker, are, or have been in care. I would like the school to be able to educate children about the different careers they can have in sport, and consider being part of the team around the 'stars'. Finally, to be able to fund breakfast club places so that children have the right food and energy to participate during the school day. The possibilities are endless.

I want to raise the profile of sport in the school, because sport is fun and it can be life changing.