On Thursday 22nd June 2023 Wings of Hope Achievement Award hosted the Semi Finals at the Houses of Parliament – our 18th year.
Teams across the country, who were shortlisted, came to present their work to an esteemed panel of judges in the Committee Rooms in the House of Commons.
The judges for the event included:
- The Rt. Hon The Lord Butler of Brockwell KG GCB VVO – Former Head of the Civil Service, and longstanding supporter of Wings of Hope
- Hon Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central – Host for the event, and long-standing supporter of Wings of Hope
- Dr Sri Ram, Co-Founder Wings of Hope Children’s Charity and Founder Supreme Creations/ Bags of Ethics
- Mrs Rajni Sriram, Co-Founder Wings of Hope Children’s Charity
- Jeremy Soames, Chair Winston Churchill Memorial Trust
- Tania Fares, Chair British Fashion Council Foundation, Fashion Trust Arabia, and Fashion Trust USA
- Angela Farrugia, CEO Brand x Society, Lecturer, Central Saint Martins
- Anakaren Olivo, Fashion Category Manager, Tik Tok
- Rupakshi Goel, Head of Luxury, Google
- Jenna Ward, Head of Future Beauty, Boots
- Lorraine O’Brien, Managing Director, Lorraine O’Brien Partnership
Dr Sri Ram, started the event with an overview of the charity’s work over the past 20 years. “When Rajni and I set-up the charity, we were given advice that people who setup charities are either billionaires or are very old – we were neither. However we have remained focussed on our mission to quietly support students, around the world, with much needed skills inside and outside the classroom. We have made many friends along the way, who are truly angels – who help us host wonderful events in wonderful locations – all free of cost – so you the students can benefit. Many of our friends are here today, supporting once again, and I hope that the future of WOHAA is sound for the next 20 years.”
Lord Robin Butler – Head Judge – then welcomed the students to the Palace of Westminster and asked them to enjoy the moment, and present their work to the panel.
Mrs Rajni Sriram – led on keeping the students to time, and worked with the fellow judges on the judging criteria for the panel.
Student Feedback
Students were invited to present their work in as creative a manner as possible and were then asked questions by the judges about their projects. The criteria for judging spans a variety of transferrable life skills – communication, teamwork, leadership, working in local communities, presentation, creativity, problem-solving, and time management. Student projects included making bookmarks, creating origami, supporting local care homes, badminton matches, bake sales, selling arts and crafts, litter picking, coding competitions, economics classes, speaker events, and much more.
“It was an incredible day, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present our work at the Palace of Westminster”
“WOHAA has taught me so much, and I’d love to support the work of this incredible charity in the future”
“We’d definitely recommend WOHAA to future participants at our school”
Students presented their award in poetry, rap, song, and with creative visual aids – such as product samples, and workshops.
Judges Feedback
“I was glad to be able to help with the judging on Thursday morning and hope the afternoon was just as successful” Lord Robin Butler
“A million thanks to you all for allowing me to join your esteemed panel of judges today in what I can only describe as the most inspirational morning ever. I loved it and feel hugely uplifted as a result. Congratulations on 20 years of personal love and investment into this incredible charity.” Angela Farrugia
“There is hope for our future – a wonderful presentation from the students.” Tania Fares
“I just wanted to say what a privilege it was to get involved in the judging of The Wings for Hope Achievement Awards they were truly amazing and completely inspirational”. Lorraine O’Brien
“The most inspiring, emotional, and humbling day on the judging panel for the incredible Wings of Hope charity. An honour to be in such wonderful company and to listen to such talented students in a beautiful location”
With thanks
The Founders of the charity would like to pay thanks to the previous alumni who volunteered at the event – supporting the charity with selflessness, heart, and care.
The full list of semi final team are below.
| Team Name | School Name |
|---|---|
| Team 4EverFree | West Kirby Grammar School |
| Team WOHAA Wonders | West Kirby Grammar School |
| Team Charitable Champions | King Edward VI Camphill School for Girls |
| Team Phoenix | King Edward VI Camphill School for Girls |
| Team WOHAAholics | King Edward VI Camphill School for Girls |
| Team Goal Diggers | King Edward VI Camphill School for Girls |
| Team Firebirds | The Henreitta Barnett School |
| Team Philanthropists | Queen Elizabeth School for Boys |
| Team Jarak | Ilford County High School and Newham Collegiate Sixth Form |
| Team Educura | Oxford International College |
| Team Wings of World | Royal Masonic School |
| Team Meraki | Oaks Park High School |
| Team Bizzy Bees | Melksham Oak Community School |
| Team The Change Makers | The Ellen Wilkinson School |
| Team Revolution | Copthall School |
| Team Unity | Dagenham Park Church of England School |
| Team The Avengers | St. Olave’s Grammar School |
