Future Leaders Shine at First Give final at Small Heath Leadership Academy

Small Heath Leadership Academy was alive with energy, pride and purpose as students took to the stage for their First Give Final, a powerful celebration of youth-led social action and community commitment. The event was made even more special by the presence of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, who joined the day as a guest Judge, offering encouragement, insight and inspiration to students whose social action projects demonstrated compassion, resilience, and leadership beyond their years.

The First Give Programme empowers young people to research social issues, partner with local charities, and design social action projects that create real impact. At Small Heath Leadership Academy, the programme has become a catalyst for confidence, teamwork and civic pride, and the Final showcased just how transformative the experience has been for students and the wider community.

The Lord Mayor’s Visit: Inspiration Rooted in Lived Experience

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE’s visit carried deep significance

Councillor Zafar Iqbal’s visit carried deep significance. As Birmingham’s first citizen, his personal journey – arriving in the city unable to speak English, navigating education with acute dyslexia, and rising through perseverance to public office – resonated strongly with the students. His lifelong commitment to education, equality, and community service aligned seamlessly with the values at the heart of First Give.

Speaking after the event, the Lord Mayor praised the maturity and unity shown throughout the Final, saying “what a wonderful way for our young people to learn. I was so impressed with the empathy and teamwork on display today, the way the students supported one another, even when they faced challenges in their presentations. They rallied around each other with such maturity and kindness. It was truly inspiring to see Birmingham’s future leaders growing in confidence compassion, and community spirit.”

Throughout the day, he engaged thoughtfully with students, asked probing yet supportive questions, and celebrated not just fundraising totals, but the learning journeys behind them, reinforcing the message that leadership is rooted in service, understanding and perseverance. The highlight of the Final came with the announcement that Class 8E’s partnership with Islamic Relief had been awarded the £1,000 First Give grant, recognising the strength of their social action, clarity of purpose, and the powerful way they articulated the charity’s impact.

Real Social Action, Real Impact in Small Heath and Beyond

Students spoke powerfully about designing their own social action projects

While each class partnered with a different charity, the true story of the First Give Final at Small Heath Leadership Academy lay not in individual fundraising totals, but in the depth of learning, empathy and social awareness developed by students throughout the programme. Across the year group, young people moved beyond seeing social issues as abstract ideas and began to understand the real human challenges facing their local and global communities.

Students spoke powerfully about how researching charities, meeting representatives, and designing their own social action projects helped them recognise inequality, food poverty, humanitarian crises, and the barriers faced by individuals leaving the prison system. For many, this was the first time they had engaged directly with organisations working on these issues, deepening their understanding beyond classroom theory.

One student reflected on supporting a local food bank, explaining: “First Give helped me understand the challenges charities in Small Heath face every day. Meeting them made it real. We weren’t just doing a school project; we were trying to help real people.”

The programme also reshaped how students viewed their own communities. Several spoke about developing a stronger sense of pride and responsibility for Small Heath, recognising the quiet but vital work carried out by charities and volunteers every day. As one student shared “Taking part in The First Give Programme has made me feel more connected to Small Heath than ever. I realised how many people are quietly doing good work in our community, and now I feel pride that we also have used our voices for change.”

The winning class (8E) were presented with a £1000 cheque for Islamic Relief

A defining moment of the Final came when Class 8E were announced as winners of the £1,000 First Give grant for their partnership with Islamic Relief. Judges praised the group for their clear articulation of need, strong teamwork, and deep understanding of the charity’s values. The win symbolised not just success on the day, but the confidence students had gained in advocating for causes they believed in.

Crucially, First Give challenged students’ perceptions of leadership and civic responsibility. Many entered the programme unsure of their abilities or believing that change was something led by adults alone. By the Final, students confidently presented, questioned injustice and supported one another under pressure. One student reflected: “I used to think community work was something older people did, but now I know young people can make a difference too.”

Through collaboration, problem-solving and reflection, First Give enabled students to see themselves as active citizens – capable of empathy, action, and influence – regardless of age or background.

Confidence, Leadership, and the Power of Belonging

Across all presentations, a common theme emerged: transformation. Students spoke openly about overcoming nerves, learning to communicate effectively, and discovering strengths they did not know they had. One student supporting Islamic Relief reflected: “Before this project, I didn’t see myself as a leader. But working in a team organising our ideas and delivering a presentation together showed me what I’m capable of. I can now communicate better, listen better, and support people when they need it.”

The First Give Final was not simply an end point, but a beginning, reinforcing students sense of belonging to their community and their belief that their voicers matter. With the encouragement of the Lord Mayor and the tangible impact of their social action, students left the Final with renewed confidence, empathy, and ambition.

As the applause faded and celebrations continued, one message was clear: Small Heath Leadership Academy is nurturing a generation of young people who are not only academically capable, but socially conscious, compassionate, and ready to lead. With programmes like First Give, and role models like Councillor Zafar Iqbal (MBE), Birmingham’s future is in powerful hands.

By Aaron Dhanoa – First Give Programme Manager for the Midlands