We spoke to Laura Gibb from Jane Brooks Law about her time with HEY CU back in the late 90s. Things looked a little different then, but what has always remained the same throughout the decades is our commitment to making children feel aspirational, confident and engaged.
What do you remember about Hull and East Yorkshire Children's University? How old was you, What school etc.
I attended the HEY Children's University in approximately 1998/1999, I was 10/11 years old and attended Flinton Primary School, Flinton Grove, Hull, HU9 5SN.
I lived in an area which was fraught with poverty (although I wasn’t aware of it at the time!) and my family life was often difficult and challenging. I am a twin, my brother looking back preferred an alternative learning style, whereas my passion was reading and academia, something which was often difficult to get involved in due to classroom sizes and funding.
How did our charity support you?
The Children's University attended my school and asked my parent if I could participate in their programme. The experience opened doors to learning that felt more like play than schoolwork and escaping to this after-school club provided me with a level of escapism from reality, not to mention free food and snacks, something that was a luxury to the norm.
Did our charity help you overcome anything?
One of the most powerful outcomes? Confidence. My shyness meant I often struggled in a traditional classroom setting, whereas at the Children’s University I was suddenly leading group activities or sharing what I had learned with pride. On reflection, it was amazing that my quiet voice grew louder, and my curious mind grew braver.
What was the most helpful thing our charity did?
The most helpful thing the charity did was make me believe I was good enough to go to university and that anything was possible. That my future was not determined by my circumstances in that moment.
Did anything change because of your engagement with our charity?
At the end of the program, there was a formal graduation ceremony. All those who participated wore gowns, walked the stage, and received our certificates in front of our families. It was more than just a photo op — it was a celebration of our efforts, exploration, and achievements. This was the moment that I knew, one day, I would do this again, but for real.
Would you be where you are now in life if it wasn't for your engagement with our charity?
Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that this opportunity spurred on an already curious mind and it will forever live in my heart and mind one of the best opportunities of my school years.