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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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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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University of Greenwich Visit

It was great to speak to the senior leadership team at the University of Greenwich as I visited the Avery Hill Campus to discuss their plans to break down barriers for students, establish local community projects and their ambitions to lead the sector in social mobility.

I enjoyed taking a tour of their excellent medical facilities, talking about the student experience for my constituents and their values of inclusivity, collaboration and social impact.

Universities are vital for education, local employment and community projects. I’m proud to work alongside this ‘outstanding’ institution to deliver both for my constituents in Erith and Thamesmead and more broadly for South East London.

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Community Engagement and Heart Health Education Day

On Sunday 5 May, it was great to join Meridian FC at their Community Football Tournament and Health Awareness Day in memory of former Meridian player, Robert Eshun. I also thank the British Society for Heart Failure for joining and raising awareness of the 400,000 people in the UK with undetected heart failure.

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#LetGirlsPlay football sessions for International Women’s Day 

Friday 8th March 2024 marked the third annual #LetGirlsPlay football event across England. I was delighted to visit two schools in Erith and Thamesmead that took part, St Thomas A Becket Primary School and De Lucy Primary School. 

Team sports have such a positive impact on the wellbeing and health of our young people so it’s amazing to see so many girls across the country taking part. I was so impressed by the skill and competitiveness of the young sports stars. 

I was very pleased to hear that so many students were interested in taking part in football at their school that trials had to take place to select the first team.  

Being part of a sports team is such a great way to develop skills in team-working, leadership and resilience. The success of the Lionesses has inspired the nation and it is vital that girls have the same football opportunities as boys in schools and clubs. 

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Cornerstone School with London Sport Visit

It was great to visit Cornerstone School in Belvedere this month to join a sports session supported by London Sport.

Cornerstone School provides a foundation of learning tailored to pupils aged 11 – 19 who have a primary diagnosis of autism, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. London Sport is a charity focussed on tackling inequality and inactivity in London and is distributing £5.7m of funding to schools in London over a three-year period.

Thanks to this funding, Cornerstone School has been able to run projects for its students with new equipment and increased accessibility.

It was amazing to see the students showcasing their sports skills and competitiveness at the gym, table tennis and trampolining. I was particularly impressed with the leadership and dedication of the headteacher and her team. It was clear how passionate all the teachers were to make sure the students had a nurturing, friendly and supportive environment.

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Visit to London South East Colleges

It was fantastic to visit the London South East London Colleges Bexley campus this month. I had an insightful discussion with the CEO and Student Union President, as well as a tour of the college’s impressive facilities. 

It is so important that we hear directly from young people on their experiences with mental health, which is why I was very pleased to have been able to have a roundtable discussion with students from the College. 

We know that our child and adolescent mental health services are in a severe state of crisis, with the number of children and young people undergoing treatment or waiting to start care having reached new records. That’s why Labour will recruit thousands more mental health staff to cut waiting lists and ensure more people can access treatment alongside creating an open-access mental health hub for children and young people in every community. 

My visit only reaffirms my commitment to championing our colleges, empowering our teachers, and providing every student with the tools they need to succeed. I look forward to working with the College in future to support the talents and aspirations of the young people in Erith and Thamesmead.