Youngster goes from pupil to professional at former school

Life has gone full circle for a Moss Side youngster with a strong community conscience – as he takes up a new teaching role at the school he used to attend.

Seventeen-year-old Akeim has gone back to school in more ways than one, after starting his new teaching assistant job at St Mary's C of E Primary School in Moss Side. But this time he is on the other side of the desk - even if he is working in the same classroom with the same staff who taught him.

"I'm really happy to have this job," he says. "I think it's really important for the children to have someone they can relate to, who is from their area and proud of Moss Side.

"It does feel strange not being the pupil any more - but all the staff have been very welcoming and supportive."

St Mary's head teacher, Barrie Chalmers, is equally happy: "Akeim is a very committed young man and an excellent positive example for our pupils. We have a good record of supporting our teaching assistants through degree programmes and we have high hopes for Akeim.

"I've worked at this school for eleven years and I can honestly say I love coming in to work every day. Moss Side is one of the most exciting places to be.  All our staff play a major part in raising the attainment of our children and this paid dividends this year with our SATS results that were above national averages."

Akeim's interest in working with the community started while he was at Manchester Academy, when the school put him forward to be part of a mentoring project. The aim of the scheme was to give an additional outlet for pupils where they could receive help and guidance on school and community issues.

The whole experience was an awakening for Akeim, who found it a vital channel for channelling his thoughts and ambitions.

"Just having that extra time to think and talk about my options really helped," he says. "I knew I wanted to work in my community, but I didn't know how to approach it or where I could get experience."

Akeim was helped by mentors at Reclaim - a national youth project which was started in Moss Side.

Through regular meetings he became more and more confident and even got involved with an ITV social project called ITV Fixers, where youngsters can nominate and organise an event for their community.

Akeim's event was held last year in August and was called a 'GCSE summer extravaganza' held at Jabez Clegg in Manchester. Working with a fellow 'fixer', Akeim outlined his reasons for a celebration for young people across the city, which would bring new groups together, break down barriers and increase harmony among teenagers in Manchester.

Backed by GMP, the event was a resounding success, which 600 teens attended.

Since then, Akeim has still been busy and has completed a course in childcare and education at South Trafford College, which is where, thanks to the support of his tutor Pat Norris he made the decision to work with children after two placements.

"I can't believe how my life has changed," he says. "Just a few years ago I would never have imagined that this would be a career choice for me and would like to thank all the St Mary's staff for their fantastic support throughout my work placement and encouraging me to apply for the job here. I'm really looking forward to helping the children at St Mary's and helping them to achieve their goals too."

Looking to the future, Akeim has plans to go on to university to train as a teacher or social worker. And, alongside that he still wants to be a voice for the community he's from and proud of - which is why he's part of a campaign run by Manchester City Council and partner organisations to challenge outdated views of Moss Side.

"I'm so lucky to be from such a joyful community," he says. "I want people to know that young people in Moss Side have pride in their roots. I look forward to telling people all the good things about my community."

Councillor Afzal Khan, Executive Member for Children's Services at Manchester City Council, said: "The fact that Akeim's story has gone full circle, demonstrates the holistic nature of our schools and shows why Manchester schools attract and retain excellent teaching staff."