Business students are working on a project to involve local people in improving their communities.

Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, opened The Word Cafe Event hosted by 6th form Business Studies students at the Marlowe Academy, Ramsgate. They worked with resident associations in Ramsgate enabling them to encourage collaboration, share ideas and improve their communities.

Students presented their work and the overview of The World Café Event, posing questions to guests on how to involve young people in the improvement of local services.

The event was supported by business and life coaches from the CIPD East Kent Coaching Group, Cummins Power Generation and the Ramsgate Business Community Association (CIC).

Brian Urwin, director of Ramsgate Business Community Association, said “In organising the World Cafe Event workshop the 6th Form Business students developed into an effective team and overcame many barriers. They exceeded expectations which helped raise their personal confidence. They have completed part of their course requirements putting classroom knowledge into practice for the benefit of their communities.”

The next stage involves the students analysing the data gathered with the support of Cummins, feeding it to the residents associations and arranging a follow-up meeting.

Meanwhile, Marlowe Aademy held its first graduation ceremony with support from various sponsors, including the Asda supermarket chain and Ward and Partners, the estate agent.

Henry Mallett was awarded The Inspirational Student of the Year Award, for his fundraising efforts to compete in the dressage in the 2016 Paralympics in Brazil.

He was nominated for help by the You Choose charity chosen by Asda in Broadstairs. The store’s community officer Debbie Snell presented Henry with a cheque for £250. She said: “Don’t let Henry’s dream be just a dream, let it be a reality”. He was also presented with a £500 cheque donated by Ward and Partners.