New charity to help Guernsey Institute students 'suffering financial hardship'

Thursday, 13 March 2025 12:30

A new charity EnrichED has been set up by The Guernsey Institute to provide financial support to enable post-16 students to have equal opportunities.

EnrichED will launch on 17 March 2025 with a fundraising goal of £50,000.

This money would be distributed to Guernsey Institute pupils from low-income households to allow them to purchase the necessary equipment for their courses and go on educational trips.

The initiative will also support graduating pupils who may struggle to afford interview outfits, work clothes, and bus passes.

Louise Misselke, the TGI College Principal and Chair of EnrichED, expects half the annual intake of young people - around 200 pupils - to need financial support.

She says young islanders deserve equal opportunities to help them reach their full potential.

“At TGI we do have students who are suffering financial hardship – particularly some of our young students, aged between 16 and 19 years old.

"This may mean they have not been exposed to a range of activities or experiences that have enabled them to build vital social and cultural capital.

"Some students may have fallen behind their peers as a result of not being able to afford critical kit for learning.

"EnrichED will provide funds that will support students to ensure they have the best opportunities possible and help them to be fully ready for the world of work when they complete their qualification.”