Students design floats in partnership between charity Diversity Role Models and Deutsche Bank
A joint initiative between Deutsche Bank and educational charity Diversity Role Models is tackling bullying in schools and developing the diversity, inclusion and advocacy skills of young people through the planning and design of a float for Pride in London.
The initiative features a joint presence at the Pride in London festival on 7 July between Diversity Role Models, Deutsche Bank and the schools engaged in the programme. It is understood to be the first time that children will participate in the London parade as a school group.
Known as ‘Born to Be Proud’, an extension of Deutsche Bank’s youth engagement programme Born to Be, the initiative was split into two parts. The first involved ten Deutsche Bank staff going into six London schools with Diversity Role Models to talk about being LGBTQ+ or an ally in the professional world and delivering skills workshops on creative thinking. The second part took a diverse group of 30 students from five of the participating London schools into Deutsche Bank’s offices for a series of workshops to design the Deutsche Bank float for the Pride in London parade and plan logistics for the day. Along the way they learnt about project management, budgeting, branding and teamwork.
The six London schools involved in Born to Be Proud are:
- Plumstead Manor School, Plumstead: a secondary school and sixth form for girls
- Alexandra Park School, Bidwell Gardens: a coeducational secondary school and sixth form, with academy status
- St Augustine’s Church of England High School, North Maida Vale: a voluntary aided Church of England comprehensive school
- The Halley Academy, Blackheath: a secondary school and sixth form with academy status
- George Green’s School, Cubitt Town, Isle of Dogs: a coeducational secondary school and sixth form
- John Roan School, Maze Hill: a secondary comprehensive school (not part of the float design workshops)
“I’m guessing this is going to be one of the most creative floats in the parade. Look out for the unicorn!” said Diversity Role Models chief executive, Claire Harvey earlier.
“Equally important are the skills and attitudes that this diverse group of youngsters is going to share with the schoolmates and with the people they meet throughout their lives. An inclusive approach to other people is a core skill in the workplace.”
Stuart Lewis, Chief Risk Officer and dbPride Sponsor in the UK and Ireland, said of the partnership, “School can be tough. Bullying affects high proportions of LGBTQ+ pupils.
“We want to tackle bullying in schools by developing diversity, inclusion and advocacy skills among young people.”
“Deutsche Bank has a long standing commitment to helping young people realise their potential,” added Lareena Hilton, Global Head of Brand Communications and CSR, “and a partnership with Diversity Role Models makes perfect sense.”