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Applications now open for Abena’s Campaign Summer School 2025

This Summer, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, announces she will once again be hosting her annual Campaign Summer School, and encourages young people interested in making a difference in their community to sign up now. 

Taking place from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th July 2025, the school is designed to empower and inspire young people between the ages of 16 and 18 from the local area to engage in politics and campaigning. 

The Campaign Summer School offers first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning – bringing together the expertise of veteran political activists, local and national journalists, and partner organisations.  

At this jam-packed 3-day event, young people will have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a real difference within their community and learn how to make their voice heard in our democracy.   

The Summer School programme is expected to include sessions from: 

  • Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council
  • Christine Quigley, Vice President of Crestview Strategy
  • Yeukai Taruvinga, Chief Executive of Active Horizons
  • Google Digital Garage Team  
  • Local and National journalists

Applications are now open for those interested in signing up. The link can be found on Abena’s website here and the deadline to sign up is Saturday 31 May 2025.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“As the first female government minister of Ghanaian descent I know firsthand that whether you’re dealing with environmental issues, crime, or education, effective campaigning is the key to influencing and challenging those in power.

“I am determined to do all I can to empower our young people to be the change they want to see in the world.

“That’s why I am so exciting to launch my Campaign Summer School 2025, taking place this July, and I encourage everyone aged between 16 and 18 living locally to sign up now! See you there.”

Testimonies from past Campaign Summer School alumni:

“We all left empowered and with our minds stimulated. The emphasis on the importance of thinking critically about the world around us, and how to take action in orchestrating the change we want to see.”   

“It was an amazing opportunity, it made it clear what we as young people can do to make a change, it inspired me to start a campaign and campaign to change something I am passionate about.”   

“It was eye-opening and inspirational and made me want to do more for society.”   

For any further information please contact the Office of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

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Visit to Lessness Heath Primary School

Enjoyed my visit to Lessness Heath Primary School in Belvedere, meeting Headteacher Miss Bolton, Assistant Headteacher Mr Jackson and Primary First Trust’s CEO Miss Hamilton.

It was also fantastic to tour the school, meet the wonderful students during their lunch break, and even wish the school dog, Lola, a very happy birthday!

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Greenwich Mummies Forum Visit

Lovely to join the Greenwich Mummies Forum at the Plumstead Centre as part of their festivities celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD).

It was inspiring to hear from our local mums and shine a spotlight on their incredible strength.

Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP with Greenwich Mummies Forum on Saturday 8 March 2025:

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Re-opening of Woodlands Farm Trust Education Centre

It was a pleasure to attend the relaunch of education classes at the Vaughan Mills Education Centre on Woodlands Farm, alongside Shooters Hill Councillors, Ivis Williams and Raja Zeeshan and the respective Mayors for Greenwich and Bexley.

I saw the fantastic nature on offer at the Farm on our tour led by Dr Barry Gray, chairman of the Woodlands Farm Trust. It is imperative more young people get outside and enjoy the great green spaces available to them in our constituency.

Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School:

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Walkabout with Greenwich Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team

It was important to recently join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). It was insightful to see and hear firsthand how they deal with the challenges of policing in the local area. What stood out as especially valuable was observing how they cooperate with local schools to ensure a safe dispersal at the end of the school day – making sure the area is kept safe for the students and residents.

It is important we continue to restore trust in our police and crack down on all forms of crime.

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Visit to St Margaret Clitherow Primary School

It was a pleasure to be able to visit St Margaret Citherow Primary school in Thamesmead. Firstly, I thanked the students for their lovely designs for my recent Christmas Card Competition. I then had a mini-Interview with two of the runners up, Michelle and Arielle, who fired questions at me about my role in politics. I also asked what inspired their designs, and they shared that the beautiful scenery in our constituency was their main inspiration.

It was great to also join the Key Stage 2 assembly whereby the students asked about my role as their MP and my political journey. Lastly, I was taken on a lovely tour of the school by the Head Girl, Claire, and the Head Boy, Jimi.

Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School:

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration

I was honoured to attend the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. It was a poignant reminder to remember the past and stand against hatred. Grateful for the chance to reflect and pay tribute.

I was joined by Leader of Greenwich Council, Cllr Anthony Okereke, and Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat, alongside many others.

Photo of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at the Greenwich Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration:

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Today marks the anniversary of National Holocaust Memorial Day. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi Concentration Camps in Europe. It is pertinent that we reflect today on the tragedy that was the Holocaust and continue to remember the innocent lives that were taken. 

This month, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment and pledge to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust and speak out against all forms of antisemitism.

Photo of Abena Oppong-Asare MP signing the Book of Commitment:

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day 2025:

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Winner of My Christmas Card Competition 2024

I am delighted to announce the successful conclusion of my Christmas Card Competition 2024 for Erith and Thamesmead.

This annual competition invites schools from across our constituency to take part. The theme for this year was “What makes Erith and Thamesmead a fun place?” As always, I would like to thank our fantastic students across the constituency who illustrated designs that show what they feel makes our constituency the fun place it is. This included parks, open spaces, shops, and local landmarks.

The artwork was assessed by a panel of judges, and I used the winning design as my Christmas Card this year, which was sent to over 1000 local people, businesses, and community groups. I also sent my card to the Prime Minister as well as many of my colleagues in the Houses of Parliament.

As has been the case in previous years we had a fantastic turnout from our enthusiastic students with many great designs being sent in. I would like to thank the schools, teachers, and parents who dedicated time to help organise the competition.

Congratulations to this year’s winner, Vera, aged 10, from St Thomas a Becket Primary School. You can see me photographed with Vera, her winning published card and her Head Teacher Mrs Cooper. 

Abena visiting this year’s winner, Vera, at St Thomas a Becket Primary School

In Vera’s description of her design, she wrote.

“I chose to draw this picture because whenever I go to Erith, I love to see the bright patterns on all the fish. I decided to start improving my art and create something special; I made a drawing based on Christmas. I am very proud of the art I have created from my artistic imagination, and I hope you will like it too.”

It is safe to say not only did we like it but I and the rest of the constituency absolutely loved it!

It was a pleasure visiting St Thomas a Becket Primary School, too. Many students asked me brilliant questions about my political career and journey. It is reassuring to know we have students in our constituency who, despite their youth, have a great interest in Politics.  

Attached here is me meeting the Speaker of the House of Commons. He was impressed by the high quality of the design and put it on display in his office!

Abena presenting the winning design to the Speaker of the House of Commons

With special thanks to the sponsors of my card who backed this year’s competition – including Edible Oils Limited, Manak Solicitors, Lumbini Grocery, Aum Trading Wholesale, Red Lion Noodle Bar and Greenwich Mummies Forum.    

Abena’s Christmas Card 2024:

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Visiting Temples in Erith and Thamesmead with the Mayor of Greenwich

Last month, I was delighted to join Cllr Jit Ranabhat, the Mayor of Greenwich, in a visit to two local temples – Pashupatinath Temple and Greenwich Hindu Mandir.

It was great to meet so many local activists and members of the Greenwich Nepalese community as we visited these two important places of faith in our community.

As I said at the time, I was incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and the blessings given to me during my visit.

Thank you to the management committees at the Temples for hosting me and to the Royal Borough of Greenwich Nepalese Society and the Greenwich Mummies Forum for their hospitality.

Social Media Post on 28 July 2024:

Photo gallery from the visit: