A Birmingham school has partnered with the non-profit Madrina to ensure that no young person misses their prom due to the cost of an outfit.
Ninestiles, an Academy, hosted its much-anticipated Prom Shop event for Year 11 learners this week, offering a wide range of free prom outfits, shoes, and bags to young people who might otherwise have been unable to attend their school prom. The event was run in partnership with Madrina, a non-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to young people marking one of the most memorable occasions of their secondary school years.
Outfits were available for both male and female learners, with modest options also provided for those requiring culturally appropriate attire -- ensuring the event was welcoming and inclusive for all. One hundred Year 11 learners from Ninestiles, an Academy received free outfits through the Prom Shop, with the invitation also extended to learners from across Summit Learning Trust, whose colleagues attended and benefited from the same offer.
Alex Hughes, Headteacher of Ninestiles, an Academy, said: “Prom is one of those moments that young people look forward to throughout their time at secondary school, and every learner deserves to experience it fully.
“By working with Madrina, we have been able to make sure that cost never stands in the way of that. Seeing our Year 11s walk into the Prom Shop and find an outfit they love, free of charge, is exactly the kind of thing that makes a real difference to a young person's confidence and sense of belonging."
By removing the financial barrier to prom attendance, the school and Madrina have ensured that young people from all backgrounds can share in an important secondary school experience.