LJMU in the community: an outreach project by students, for students

Abstract

LJMU’s outreach work is predominantly delivered through programmes coordinated alongside teachers, with delivery in schools and on campus.   In the last three years however LJMU has looked to expand its community relationships, delivering outreach with local groups such as Unity, Firefit and Kuumba Imani. Building on this, in October 2021 the outreach team began a student-led programme in the community aimed at strengthening LJMU’s links in the most ethnically diverse areas of Liverpool, to support access for those students from minority backgrounds who are under-represented at LJMU. 

Based on the outreach support LJMU delivers through its school relationships, the University has had a regular presence in the Al Rahma Mosque and Al Ghazali Centre in L8 for the past 6 months, providing information, advice, and guidance about university to help prospective students navigate HE. 

Linked to LJMU’s Access and Participation Plan, this project is led by current postgraduate student Lila Tamea, supported by other students from the community and outreach staff, to help young people in the community understand their potential and the opportunities available to them. 

In this session Lila will outline the activity that has taken place, how the community has responded, lessons learnt and forthcoming plans.  The content will include information on how these engagements can be transformational for the prospective students as well as current students who are supporting the delivery.  Lila will explore how direct action such as this is critical to the University demonstrating its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity.    Context will also be provided in respect to wider University EDI challenges, and through experience encountered during the project, discussion will take place about what the university can do more of to provide a welcoming inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.