WOHAA Testimonials

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The Wings of Hope Achievement Award (WOHAA) is a prestigious, nationally recognised UK social enterprise programme for young leaders aged 13-18 (Years 9-13). For over 20 years, more than 40,000 students from 600+ schools have participated, developing essential life skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. WOHAA offers students the chance to grow beyond the classroom, with 9 out of 10 participants reporting significant skill improvement and recommending the programme to their peers.

Testimonials from teachers, mentors and students

Semi Finalist 2024- Team Fueling Futures Shares their WOHAA Experience

Semi Finalist 2024- Nnemaka Shares Her WOHAA Journey

Interview with Simona Bhotti | London Business School

Interview with Jemma Tadd | eBay UK

Semi Finalist 2024- Camila’s Team Shares their WOHAA Experience

Interview with Sir David Jason & Michael Dapaah

Interview with Kirby Warsop | Boots UK

Speed Mentoring 2024: Empowering Futures

Winners of 2020- The Heathland School

WOHAA 2021 Student Experience

Interview with Mr Tom Cannon | Blackhealth High School

Interview with Mr Ian Smith | Brooke House College

This is St Olave’s second year partaking in WOHAA. I have been genuinely impressed by the vast development in the interpersonal skills of the students who have been involved. Specifically, students’ confidence when organising large-scale charity events has developed, with students being proactive in liaising with staff, peers and external providers to ensure their events have been a success. I would strongly recommend the programme as it is a great opportunity for young people to enrich their education by making a positive contribution to the wider community.

Holly Smith – Head of Year, St Olave’s Grammar School

Getting involved in WOHAA has been transformational for our students, Grace and Martha. They embraced this opportunity fully, proving that the more you invest, the more you gain. Their fundraising efforts have benefited the school community and pushed them outside their comfort zones, fostering personal growth. They’ve developed strong organizational and communication skills, now confidently speaking to diverse and influential audiences. WOHAA’s networking and mentoring opportunities have been invaluable, including a personal session with an Oxbridge Dean on accessing the PPE course.

Paul Bishop – Director of 6th form, Saint Cecilia’s School

I discovered WOHAA through an online search for extracurricular opportunities and was inspired by its social impact and mentoring support. Our students have gained valuable skills in planning, organization, teamwork, and confidence. It’s been rewarding to see them take on big projects, like a concert, and grow as they successfully manage these events. While some groups may need more guidance, WOHAA encourages initiative. I’d definitely recommend it to other schools, as students have ownership of their projects, receive quality mentoring, and make a positive difference. We’re considering offering WOHAA again, with an evaluation of extracurricular activities at year-end.

Mr Stephen Coote – Head of Business and Economics, Sheffield Girls’ School

WOHAA’s focus on holistic development and social entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with our educational philosophy. It motivated us to involve our students, offering them opportunities to develop skills beyond the classroom. Through the programme, I’ve seen our students grow in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving—key skills for their future academic success. While WOHAA is comprehensive, a stronger focus on financial literacy would further enhance the experience. I highly recommend WOHAA to other schools. Its unique blend of learning and community service has had a profound impact on our students, and we look forward to continuing this valuable partnership.

Jason Brooks – Director of Supercurricular, Oxford International College

I heard about WOHAA through an email sent to our Assistant Head for 6th form. After reading the information and having an online meeting with Sarah I was inspired by the stories and the work of WOHAA. I was looking for projects to build students leadership and Independence and this seemed perfect. The students that have started to participate and create their project are building communication skills as well as planning and leadership which means they can add to their CV and personal statement for university evidencing these skills. I would definitely recommend WOHAA to other schools as it is such a worthy idea that can build skills in our own students as they think of others and assist in developing our world. I look forward to presenting WOHAA to our new cohort of Year 12 next year.

Mrs. Amanda Haylock – Head of Year in 6th Form, Plumstead Manor School

As WOHAA participants, we developed key skills like negotiation and communication. From the start, six girls with diverse ideas had to find common ground, learning to set aside egos and make decisions collaboratively. We also negotiated with local organizations to support sustainability efforts. Our main fundraiser, selling soy-wax candles, taught us about business and finance, which aligned with our future career goals. This hands-on experience helped us apply our knowledge of marginal profit and economics. We highly recommend WOHAA for the valuable experiences it offers in making a positive impact on our communities and fostering personal growth.

Keda – WOHAA Student

I was thrilled to lead Team Firebirds to 2nd place in the 2022-23 WOHAA cohort. We were fortunate to be mentored by Mrs Rajni Sri Ram, whose guidance helped us align our strengths with our fundraising projects, aiding not only in WOHAA but in future university and career decisions. We attended valuable free workshops, including speed mentoring, which built skills for university and job applications. Through WOHAA, I learned to design, market products, manage finances, and raise awareness for our cause. The partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh Award was also helpful, allowing us to fulfil both commitments. Attending the Semi-Finals and Awards Ceremony at prestigious locations like the House of Lords was incredibly rewarding, especially seeing how our efforts benefitted underprivileged children. Performing at the finals was a personal highlight. I’m grateful to Dr. Sri and Mrs. Sriram for creating such an inspiring initiative, empowering students to make a real difference. Their passion and dedication make WOHAA truly special, and I wish them continued success.

Rivini – WOHAA Student

The main thing that encouraged me to join WOHAA was definitely the fact that the charity helps provide education to children less fortunate than us. During my time with WOHAA, I have definitely developed an ability to plan things out thoroughly. For example, during my first bake sale, I had to figure out who was buying, who was advertising and who was in charge of finance. I think that this is most definitely a skill that will be carried with me my whole life because you need a good ability to plan things out accordingly for a lot of things in life like your workspace, planning something for a friend, planning things accordingly for your future children etc…My participation with WOHAA has made me want to pursue law. Lawyers need to be able to meet a deadline and be able to plan things out accordingly – skills that WOHAA has brought out in me. I definitely would recommend WOHAA to a friend, I actually already have and I am so excited to continue my WOHAA journey.

Khadijah – WOHAA Student

I became involved with Wings of Hope in 2008 while attending Haberdashers’ Boys School, where our group won the WOHAA, raising over £13,000 for the charity. Since then, I’ve proudly served as an honorary ambassador. Over the past 16 years, I’ve seen WOHAA evolve into an outstanding national charity under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Sriram and Mrs. Rajni Sri Ram. Their commitment to empowering children in the UK and abroad is remarkable. Personally, WOHAA played a key role in shaping my empathy and leadership skills, aiding my career in Medicine. As an Orthopaedic Surgeon, I continue to support the charity and will do so in the future.

Dr Branavan – WOHAA Student

My son Caspar Lehmkuehler really enjoyed being part of the WOHAA project. He said that it was the most interesting and the most challenging group project he’s ever done. He not only enjoyed a lot but he also learned a lot in the process. His abilities to lead a group and to persuade others to help people in need grew substantially. He donated a lot of time towards the project and learned how to organise and strategically plan events to raise awareness. Caspar also got to know more about the difficult situation for the children in India and Sierra Leone and he is eager to help beyond WOHAA.

Parent of Caspar, Winner of 2018-19

“I participated in WOHAA twice in secondary school: once in a group of 6 in year 9 and once in a group of 3 in year 10. There is no other word to describe this experience other than ‘eye-opening’. Making a difference and change in the world can sometimes be an intimidating challenge on your own which WOHAA addresses perfectly. Working in a group to raise money and awareness about education in developing countries (all whilst having fun and choosing your own activities and fundraisers)? It’s truly an experience not to miss. But there is also a side to WOHAA which will indirectly help you all through your life and that is the skills and connections you will pick up along the way. One particular event which stood out for me was Speed Mentoring. With it came a lot of insight into various fields and disciplines that several high-achieving ‘mentors’ were able to offer in a very concise and efficient manner. I am now studying at the University of Oxford and without WOHAA, I would not be the person I am today; it honestly changed my life. Thank you”

Abhinav Vudathu, WOHAA Alumnus

Wings of Hope is an imaginative and exciting charity. It involves several continents and many young students whom it inspires to think of needy people and do what they can to help them. It has no single template and leaves young pupils free to think up new ways of raising money. I have sat on the jury for some years now and consider it one of my finest educational experiences. I congratulate Dr R. Sri Ram and Rajni for conceiving and guiding it and wish the project well.

Professor Lord Bhiku Parekh, esteemed academic and sitting peer in the House of Lords

Parent of Caspar

Thank you so much for such an inspiring evening last night! It was truly impressive to see so much talent and energy from all the young people in the room. They say teaching doesn’t have many perks but on occasions like last night, the thrill of being involved in such a fantastic initiative which develops both our young people as well as others less fortunate, is unbeatable, and such a privilege to be a part of. Our teams were equally thrilled to be recipients of awards and we are delighted for them. Thank you so much on behalf of the school and girls for the opportunity to be involved, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what our teams come up with for next year!

Helen Roberts - Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Royal Masonic School for Girls

Ready to participate in this year’s Wings of Hope Achievement Awards? Simply have one team member fill out the sign-up form and share everyone else’s email addresses. Each team member will then receive an email to complete their registration.

“My best moment from my WOHAA journey – Standing in the wings of the stage at Battle of the Bands watching the students perform, hit me that the essence of what we’d been aiming for – we had given the performers the ability and the opportunity to perform music, and to go out and be amazing and have a moment in the spotlight!

What I learnt from WOHAA – It has taught me how to work in a team, properly. Teamwork in school is usually on such a small scale that one person can manage the workload alone, so in the past, I would often take on most of the work myself especially if I was the Tam Leader. Nothing we’ve achieved together in Team Celestrial was possible to do in this way, and so I have learnt how to lead a team where everyone takes an equal share of the load, and each person takes responsibility for the project.”
Rebekah – West Kirby Grammar School, WOHAA Winner

“I chose to support WOHAA because I loved the entrepreneurial and educational aspect… I have been lucky enough to see this at first hand as a panellist for the Awards. Seeing the sheer effort and enthusiasm from such a wide spectrum of schools and pupils has been heartening.”
Jackie Cooper, Global Creative Chair at Edelman PR

“Thank you so much for such an inspiring evening last night! It was truly impressive to see so much talent and energy from all the young people in the room. They say teaching doesn’t have many perks but on occasions like last night, the thrill of being involved in such a fantastic initiative which develops both our young people as well as others less fortunate, is unbeatable, and such a privilege to be a part of. Our teams were equally thrilled to be recipients of awards and we are delighted for them. Thank you so much on behalf of the school and girls for the opportunity to be involved, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what our teams come up with for next year!”
Helen Roberts – Deputy Head of Sixth Form, The Royal Masonic School for Girls

“This was a really fun experience where I got to meet new people and develop my skills and weaknesses! I really appreciated all the support our mentors provided and am glad that I took part in this WOHAA project!”
Moushumi – WOHAA Student

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which I am so glad to have had the opportunity to take part in! Thank you for everything!”
Denise – WOHAA Student

“It was a really challenging yet fun and enriching experience! I’m really happy I took part and got the chance to try out and develop new skills.”
Pearl – Henreitta Barnet School, WOHAA Student

“I was able to be the team leader of Team Supreme which allowed me to gain or improve many life skills such as leadership and delegation of tasks evenly and accordingly to each individual’s strengths. Secondly, helping us overall be efficient in goal setting and time management. Despite having setbacks such as the fashion show getting rescheduled a couple of times and eventually not taking place this still hasn’t stopped us and we still learnt to persevere and have countless backup options.”
Sufyan – Mayfield School, WOHAA Winner

“This is the first time Yuvraj has embarked on a fundraising challenge. First and foremost, he believes the WOHAA to be a most worthy cause. He has learnt, though, that projects involve a lot of hard work and commitment to take it from inception through to completion. For the raffle, Yuvraj accompanied other team members to Westfield shopping centre and had to think hard about the strategy he needed to adopt in order to secure prizes for the raffle. He quickly realised that not all shops/restaurants/cinemas were eager to give away prizes which would attract students and teachers to buy raffle tickets. I believe that Yuvraj and the rest of the team have done a spectacular job and carried out the means to reach a successful end goal which was always to help WOHAA carry on their good work.”
Parent of Yuvraj

“He that gives is more blessed than the one who takes!
Isaac was so blessed to be given an opportunity to join the WHOAA project. During this, he has learnt to work with his teammates, to organise, coordinate and execute their plans so as to help the ones in need. We do think that this treasurable experience could widen their scope and bring them to the reality of life!”
Parent of Issac

“Thank you for organising the Accelerator Day, it was really fun and motivating to meet all these ambitious students. We will continue to support our respective teams and make sure they can reach their goals!”
Pauline, LBS mentor

“Team Mariama have amazed me this year… their flagship event was designed to highlight the diversity within the school through showcasing the talent that students have to offer. This thoughtful and positive ethos has underpinned all that Team Mariama have achieved… The skills and mindset that Team Mariama have developed are just as important as any academic grade…they have represented TFA, Wings of Hope and Team Mariama in a fantastic light, raising the profile of all involved.”
Adam Shorey – The Forest Academy, WOHAA Student

Ready to join the Wings of Hope Achievement Awards? One team member signs up, shares teammates’ emails,
and each will get an email to complete registration.

“I have watched my son, Chris, mature and grow exponentially this year thanks to WOHAA. It is an amazing concept to teach entrepreneurial skills to privileged kids and have them organize events to raise funds for underprivileged kids. But there is more magic behind the concept than I ever imagined. He envisioned and orchestrated events that had him dreaming, planning, coordinating and leading . . . there were moments of panic, moments of victory, moments of frustration, and moments of joy. He has learned so much and he has simply turned into the nicest grown up guy!”
Parent of Team InterHOPE, International School of Geneva (La Chataigneraie)

“First I would like to say thank you for helping the girls, secondly I am so proud of my daughter and all of you with the whole organisation. Thursday night was one of the most wonderful events in my life. I want to say thank you for giving the girls this chance, without you it would never happened.”
Parent of Team Apex – Dartford Grammar School, WOHAA Winners

“For me it is very important to have good interpersonal relationships at work and I feel blessed that I have found a good working environment at the Wings of Hope Children’s Charity. I feel included and valued; I do not just feel like an intern. I am always updated about what is happening within the organisation and asked to do tasks that contribute to my personal and professional growth. I have been learning a lot. Rajni, the CEO, seems to have a natural talent to mentor and this ability of hers has helped me to develop a lot during my internship. I am grateful to be part of this amazing team and I will cherish this experience forever.”
Eliane – WOHAA Intern

“I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing opportunity. I have really enjoyed working with you, as I had the chance to boost my confidence and public speaking skills and to learn more about the amazing work that you do. It has been truly amazing to work with you, Evelyn and Brittany and to meet the students. I genuinely wish you all the best with the rest of the programme! I have been really enthusiastic about WOHAA and I have been speaking to my mum about it, as she is a teacher and she is really interested in similar programs. I know that she has told her students in Italy about WOHAA and the organisation as an example of a great idea to boost skills while in school. She has told me that her students found it really interesting and, as they are working on writing an article for a newspaper on the importance of education, they will be mentioning The Wings of Hope as a very inspiring organisation!”
Camilla – WOHAA Intern

“Thank you to Wings of Hope for providing this opportunity for my daughter as it is a journey she will never forget.”
Parent of Team Mariama – The Forest Academy, WOHAA Student

‘The WOHAA journey has been an eye-opening experience for me as I was unaware of how many different components there were to fundraising… I also loved working in a team with my classmates and friends… My decision to participate in WOHAA was possibly one of the best decisions I have made.”
Ariana – Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School, WOHAA Student

“Oh my gosh! What a journey. I am unbelievably proud of myself and my friends. Half of the things we did, I would’ve never imagined we could do before. WOHAA has taught me so much about myself.”
Zaynah – The Forest School, WOHAA Semi-Finalists

“Our WOHAA journey has opened our eyes to the injustice in this world and shown us how students anywhere can really help the children who need it the most and how important it is to do so.”
Team Fortitude – Lady Margaret School, WOHAA Student

“The WOHAA challenge is an excellent one and does uncover true leaders and team-workers. Keep in touch. And good luck to you and a great organization.”
Dr. Joe Spence – Master of Dulwich College

“I would recommend WOHAA to anyone I have met because it is a great privilege to assist in a charity while helping those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Bianca – Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise, WOHAA Student

Unlock new skills, make a difference, and earn recognition—join Wing of Hope Achievement Awards today!

“For me CV writing and interview skills were the most useful part of the workshop and I feel as though I came away with a lot of new, valuable information to take into account when writing my own CV.”
Emily – Langley Park School for Girls, WOHAA Student

“It’s a fantastic initiative, it was an honour to be with such distinguished supporters of the charity at the semi-finals, and an even greater honour to see the work of the young members of our community.”
Clarke Carlisle – Ex Chairman, Professional Footballers’ Association

“It was a pleasure to meet you and inspiring to hear stories of the ways in which the project has motivated young people to raise money for charity and work as a team to initiate and run different activities.”
Miriam – Teacher at Dulwich College

“It was a pleasure and very inspiring and exceptional talent on display. Thank you for having me as part of this wonderful charity and a real honour.”
Tunji Akintokun – Ex-Director at Cisco

“I was very impressed by the event at the House of Lords. I think you have made a major breakthrough in getting such a high level of engagement from UK schools.”
Sir Richard Stagg – Ex-High Commissioner to India

“I learnt a lot from the WOHAA experience, it was a different experience. It was a challenge where I learnt about myself more than anything.”
Suman – Villiers High School, WOHAA Student

“Well done for another fantastic event. You could see that the students were keen to soak up all they could in the time available, and lots of smiles all around – a good sign!”
Linzi – Law Mentor, WOHAA Speed Mentoring

“WOHAA has helped me to develop in many ways and I am extremely grateful for every opportunity you have sent my way. I am really keen to continue.”
Serafina – WOHAA participant and volunteer

“Over the course of the last five years, we as a school, have offered WOHAA to our students across different year groups. As Vice Principal, I am delighted to partner with WOHAA.”
Mr. Ian Smith – Previous Vice Principal, Surbiton High School

“What a fantastic experience and I am delighted that the girls were excellent representatives of the school. They clearly gained a huge amount from being at Barclays.”
Rachel Fink – Headteacher, Hasmonean Girls’ High School

“You made everyone feel so welcome and it really was a very enjoyable evening. We are now all very excited about our fundraising for next year.”
Natalie Hodgson – St Mary’s High School, WOHAA Student

“It was a great pleasure to see such fantastic talent at the WOHAA semi- finals and the WOHAA Award Ceremony, well done for this wonderful vision!’”
Baroness Verma – House of Lords

“I was, as always, very impressed by the commitment, ingenuity and enthusiasm of the young people involved. WOHAA is indeed a two way street.”
Lord Tom McNally – Ex Chair of Youth Justice Board

“I would just like to say thank you for everything you have offered me through the Wings of Hope program. The Award has given me experiences and skills I just couldn’t have learnt elsewhere.”
Athishan Vithivet Pillai – Merchant Taylors’ School, WOHAA Student

“Thanks so much and congratulations for putting on such a great event. Already looking forward to the next one.”
Carl – Investment Banking Mentor, WOHAA Speed Mentoring

Ready to participate in this year’s Wings of Hope Achievement Awards? Simply have one team member fill out the sign-up form and share everyone else’s email addresses.
Each team member will then receive an email to complete their registration.

“It was a pleasure helping to judge the Wings of Hope Finals. Not only are those involved an inspiring group of young people, but the wider cause is also one to which I am very happy to lend any support.”
Lady Elizabeth Roberts – Dean of Studies at the Weidenfeld Centre, Trinity College, Oxford

“What a wonderful and brilliant trip. Deepika still talks about it all the time and reflects back fondly of the trip with plans to do more in future.”
Malavi and Kumanan, parents of WOHAA Winner

“It was a truly inspirational evening and a pleasure to hear about the work and success of so many young people.”
Ann Haydon – Ex-Principal, Surbiton High School

“Sophie has enjoyed her experience of WOHAA immensely. She has grown in confidence and has enjoyed the planning and executing of charity events, which are skills that I believe will help her in the future.”
Parent of Team Fireworks

“Taking part in WOHAA has been really enjoyable, I have done absolutely nothing like this before and I’m really happy that I have received the chance to do this. I learnt many things over the past few months and I have also realised many things about myself starting with how organised I am!… I would love to take part in this again as I have learnt so much during the scheme and I am so proud of what I and the whole team have achieved!”
Lianne – Nonsuch School for Girls, WOHAA Student

“From this process I believe I have become a stronger, more motivated and determined young woman. I have gained the insight on how to organise, motivate and successfully lead a team… I have put my heart and soul into the process and have loved every minute of it!’
Rachael – West Kirby Grammar School, WOHAA Student

“We saw our little 13 year old Subikka Kumanan as a team leader growing up so much with this process. She has tackled so many challenges with a smiley face, giving strength to the team and her family members.”
Parent of Team Rise

“What an absolutely wonderful event at the WOHAA awards last week! It was such a huge privilege to be involved – what an inspiration.”
John Lewis Representative

“Over our WOHAA journey, we have all developed as people. We have grown new skills – from designing adverts and other technical things to building website for our fundraising… Before, most of us could not bake a simple cake – now we can make some of the most intricate delicacies… We are truly proud of our WOHAA journey.”
Team OAK – WOHAA Winners

“We had a wonderful time last night and the children so enjoyed the experience. Obviously the icing on the cake was the winning of the award for runners up ‘Best Presentation’”
Mrs. Green – Year 9 Manager at Collingwood College

“WOHAA is one of the best external projects we have brought into the school. It is truly beloved by staff, students and parents alike as it broadens the horizons of our girls”
Mrs Rachel Fink – Ex Head Teacher, Hasmonean High School for Girls

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