Summer ’26
Fun, Discovery and Leadership at Eastside
Summer at Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy (EYLA) has been a busy and inspiring season of fun, discovery, creativity and leadership, with our young leaders taking part in activities designed to build confidence, develop new skills and encourage them to make a positive difference in their communities.
Summer term: from ideas to action
During the summer term, our young leaders focused on community organising and campaigning, exploring how they can use their voices to raise awareness of issues that matter to them. They developed campaigns around healthy living and positive body image, learning how to turn their ideas into messages that can engage and influence others.
Using the OppClear App to explore real-time work and enrichment opportunities, work experience and summer jobs.
Putting sporting skills into practice too, with separate Junior and Senior Sports Days on Wanstead Flats
Our Juniors enjoyed getting creative with African pottery, developing their artistic skills while exploring African culture and heritage. Meanwhile, our Seniors were looking towards their futures through Pathways to Employment, using the OppClear App to explore real-time work and enrichment opportunities, work experience and summer jobs. The platform also provides guidance to help young people connect their interests and skills with potential future careers.
There was plenty of opportunity to put teamwork and sporting skills into practice too, with separate Junior and Senior Sports Days on Wanstead Flats. The days provided a chance to be active, have fun and strengthen relationships through friendly competition and team challenges.
Summer holidays: learning, laughing and leading
Our HAF-funded summer programme gave young leaders even more opportunities to learn, explore and have fun together. Physical wellbeing was a big part of the programme, with energetic Zumba sessions helping young people stay active while building confidence and having fun.
Green-fingered Young Leaders’ in the garden.
Baking banana bread
Litter picking organised by TimeGivers
Drama also returned, building on the success of last summer’s Windrush project. This year, the young people continued exploring the connections between the African and Caribbean diaspora, making history and heritage relevant to the experiences and lives of today’s Black young people.
Campaigning continued throughout the summer, alongside wellbeing and reflective activities that encouraged young people to think about their emotions, relationships, aspirations and the positive contribution they can make to their communities. We also ran a coding club.
Our green-fingered young leaders spent time gardening and enjoyed our home grown produce at lunch time, while creative sessions included art and crafts. We also continued to develop employability skills and pathways to employment, helping young people think about their strengths, interests and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Giving back to the local community was another important part of the summer. Our young leaders took part in baking for others and litter-picking organised by TimeGivers, learning that leadership is not only about personal achievement but also about taking responsibility for the places and communities in which we live.
A summer of growth
From campaigning and community action to creativity, sport, wellbeing and career exploration, the summer programme has given EYLA’s young leaders opportunities to discover new interests, develop practical skills, express themselves and think about their futures.
Most importantly, they have had the opportunity to learn, lead and grow together – demonstrating once again that when young people are given the right opportunities and support, their potential is limitless.