Fostered children achievements marked.
50 youngsters who are in care or who are looked after by foster carers will take part in a glittering ceremony at the Council House this evening in recognition of their achievements at school and determination to succeed.
The first of its kind, the Golden Stars celebration event is specifically for looked after teenagers. Around 90 will receive awards in total, having been nominated by foster carers, social workers and teachers in recognition of their achievements, despite the challenging circumstances they have faced.
Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Shafique Shah, said: “For children in care who may have experienced instability in their home life, the teenage years can be especially difficult. The Golden Stars awards recognise and celebrate the determination of our young people to overcome obstacles, do well at school and thrive in their communities. The young people in receipt of these awards are a shining example to all of us.”
The awards recognise things like commitment to and focus in school work, contribution to the life of their schools, effort, attainment, dedication and enthusiasm. Many of the young people receiving awards have been incredibly supportive to other young people in similar circumstances and have acted as mentors through very challenging times.
There will also be special awards for two young people leaving care. One has gone on to university and the other has taken up an apprenticeship with the city council. They have both demonstrated that they can manage change and the challenge of moving to independent living whilst maintaining high standards within their programmes of training and education.