Our Oxford Laidlaw Scholars have returned with a renewed commitment to drive change, making a significant impact on the ground. Led by Ruby-Anne Birin, the Scholars have launched vibrant extracurricular programmes across four local schools—John Henry Newman Academy, Rose Hill Primary School, The Oxford Academy, and Orchard Meadow Primary School. These initiatives engage students with innovative projects that inspire learning and action, bringing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs) to life in the classroom.

On their recent engagement tour last Friday, the Scholars ventured beyond the classroom and into the community at Blackbird Leys. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect with local residents, understand the community’s unique challenges, and discuss sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. Their work directly supports several key SDGs, including SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG1 (No Poverty), and SDG4 (Quality Education), reinforcing the commitment to making a meaningful impact at the local level.

Guided by research leads Tanya Manchanada and Sophia Stone, the Scholars are progressing with their research projects, focusing on practical, evidence-based interventions that address key SDGs. Detailed outlines are set to be shared soon on the Laidlaw Network. They have also participated in engaging sessions with Oliver Cook on the Sport Impact Lab, exploring how sport can drive social change, and with Alex Betts discussing local and global engagement at the University of Oxford.