A fundraising activity organised by Skills for Working Life students at Salford City College’s Eccles Sixth Form Centre caught the attention of a famous Manchester musician.
After hearing about the music show the students were organising to raise money for a college trip, Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim decided to help out by offering to showcase his musical talents.
Alison Bethune, who teaches Preparation for Working Life at Eccles Sixth Form Centre, explained: “Students were asked to think of an enterprise activity to raise as much money as they could to fund their trip in the New Year. Given the class’s shared passion for music and performance, they decided to put on show and charge for tickets.”
The world-famous guitarist Aziz is passionate about exploring mental health and wellbeing through the arts, and wanted to offer his services in any way he could. He commented: “I was very impressed by the standard of creativeness of the Skills for Working Life Department, and it was inspiring to see young people responding so well to the arts and to the staff that they work with.
“The arts bring about interaction, integration and communication, especially for those who may find it difficult to communicate in other ways.”
Natasha Sky, an up-and-coming local songwriter, also came to the college to perform as part of the show, singing hit songs by Adele and Ed Sheeran. She said: “I was really impressed by the students’ teamwork skills and how professionally they came across.”
Guy Gibbs, Educational Support Assistant at Salford City College, also sang two of his own songs as part of the student-led performance, which took place at the end of last term.
The students’ teacher, Alison, commented: “The students worked really hard on their fundraising activity and it was great for them to form partnerships with a local Manchester legend. I’m very proud of what they have achieved.”
