An inspirational first meeting with the University Social and Academics Club

Earlier on today, I spent an inspirational hour with two University of Buckingham students: Alakhiwe Ndlovu and Noly Konoso. They are both very involved in the Social and Academics Club of the University. This club is described as one that "seeks to enhance both social and academic aspects of university life through the means of the clubs members. It also seeks to promote acts of charity and service to the community."

We met to talk about ambition, cohesion and economic development. A big agenda which we have only just begun to explore!

(That's Al on my right and Noly on my left)

We have begun to cook up some ideas about how the students and the other residents of the town can come together and make new things happen for everyone in and connected to Buckingham. There are many opportunities for networking and simply bridging some of the divides between 'town and gown'.

(Would you like to have a penfriend in Africa? Is there business that you could be doing abroad? Are there twinning links that could be made between your group and one in some other part of the globe? Etc...)

They have booked me for an event (details to be announced soon) on the 16 June in the early evening. I am looking forward to it!

Meanwhile, it seems that the churches in the town are pretty good at being welcoming and inclusive to many of students. (Well done!) However, after our discussions I was left wondering if the other (secular) social & business groups in the town could make themselves more accessible...? What do you think?

Anyway, please watch this space for ideas coming to fruition...!