First awards for children’s uni

Shobna Gulati . . . presenting certificates

A university with a difference will be handing out awards after naming a former Corrie actress as its figurehead.

The Children’s University is not a building but a programme which will be celebrating its first wave of young scholars at a graduation ceremony at Oldham Sixth-Form College tomorrow led by chancellor and actress Shobna Gulati.

Shobna, who played Sunita Alahan in “Coronation Street”, said: “I am thrilled and honoured to take up this position as I am committed to children’s education and learning.”

The 46-year-old, who received an honorary doctorate from University Oldham in 2006, will be awarding certificates to youngsters aged seven to 14, who have taken part in activities outside of school hours.

Participants are required to attend at 30 “learning destinations”, which offer reading, dance, drama, sports and music classes. Pupils receive a sticker after each session which is put in a special passport — and when 30 stickers have been collected, they are invited to attend a graduation ceremony.

Alongside the Children’s University, the Passport for Volunteering programme has also recently been launched at Oldham Sixth Form College and Oldham College, aimed at students aged 15 or over.

For more information about either scheme, contact Suzy Chapman on 0161-770 8997 or email suzy.chapman@oldham.gov.uk.

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