Eastside Young Leaders’ Academy (EYLA) nurtures leadership potential in young people and empowers them to exert a positive influence on society.
Based in the London Borough of Newham, EYLA was established by community leaders to work with local, disengaged, disadvantaged boys identified as being at risk of social and educational exclusion. EYLA champions its mission of social mobility and inclusion, supporting referred boys, and now girls, aged 8 -16.
EYLA runs a full, supplementary education programme including out of school tuition, leadership training, in-school workshops and a scholars’ programme providing opportunities to access full bursaries at state and independent boarding schools. Many of the children and young people live in challenging home circumstances and experience interruptions to their education. EYLA programmes remove barriers to learning, support educational recovery and offer enrichment opportunities.
The Buffini Chao Foundation funds the EYLA Leadership Programme, providing Saturday masterclasses which help participants develop confidence and capacity, self-awareness, self-management and self- expression. In addition, after school tuition and academic coaching is available to participants. The programme strives for a level playing field for children who experience social and educational disadvantages.
“The funding provided by the Foundation is life-transforming, significantly improving the young leader’s future trajectory” – EYLA
