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Abena Oppong-Asare MP Hosts Record-Breaking Campaign Summer School for Young Changemakers

Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, hosted her annual Campaign Summer School this July – an inspiring three-day event aimed at empowering local young people to get involved in politics, build campaigning skills, and make their voices heard.

Held from Wednesday 23 to Friday 25 July at London South East Colleges’ (LSEC) Greenwich Campus in Plumstead, the Summer School welcomed close to 30 local students – a record number for the initiative. The programme featured expert-led sessions from across the political, media, business, and local government sectors, offering participants a unique, hands-on insight into how change happens.

This year’s active agenda included:

  • “From petition to national campaign” with Tampon Tax activists Laura Coryton MBE and Rima Amin
  • “Trailblazer in the Corporate World” with BBC’s The Apprentice star Chisola Chitambala
  • “Local Government and Community Leadership” with Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council, and Martin Angus, Political Adviser at the Local Government Association
  • “The Role of Media and Local Journalism” with Aletha Adu (The Guardian) and Darryl Chamberlain (Greenwich Wire)

The event was generously sponsored by Oscar Mayer, one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers, and Ocado Retail, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket – both of which play an active role in the local community.

After the Campaign Summer School, Abena Oppong-Asare MP is launching a new LinkedIn Network to bring together students, speakers, and her network in one shared space. The aim is to keep the conversation going – sharing ideas, life updates, and campaign efforts to drive positive change in the community.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“It was a real pleasure to host my annual Campaign Summer School once again here in Erith and Thamesmead constituency.

“We welcomed so many talented and motivated local students, all eager to get a head start on their future careers and to learn how to make a difference in their local communities and beyond.

“This year’s Summer School was our biggest yet, date and I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved. A huge thank you to the students, speakers and sponsors who it such a success. I’m already looking forward to next year!”

One 2025 Campaign Summer School graduate, shared:

“I am hugely grateful for the experience as I gained political insight through learning about the role of an MP, and what it’s like working with an MP in a constituency office.

“It has also allowed me to create a larger network of other determined, driven and ambitious individuals that I’m sure are as inspired by Abena’s selflessness to leave her busy schedule to be with us as I am.

“It’s been a true pleasure to be a part of this event, and I can’t wait for the next!”

Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group CEO at London South East Colleges (LSEC) said:

“We were absolutely delighted to host this fantastic Summer School at our Greenwich Campus once again.

“Supporting opportunities like this for local young people is central to our civic mission as an education group – empowering and inspiring them to get their voices heard and achieve their ambitions.”

Oscar Mayer, sponsor of the Campaign Summer School, added:

“Oscar Mayer is incredibly proud to sponsor and support the 2025 Summer School hosted by Abena Oppong-Asare MP at London Southeast Colleges in Greenwich, an inspiring initiative that gives young people real-world insights into careers, confidence-building, and the skills employers are looking for.

“As part of the programme, Oscar Mayer’s Head of Talent & Development, Steve Beadle, led a session titled Public Relations in the Working World and the Food Industry. The session explored how personal branding, communication, and professional values are increasingly essential in today’s workforce, particularly in fast-moving, reputation-driven industries like food manufacturing.

“The company extends its thanks to Abena Oppong-Asare MP and London Southeast Colleges for organising such an impactful programme, and to the students whose energy and enthusiasm made the event such a success.”

Abena Oppong-Asare MP looks forward to welcoming even more young changemakers to next year’s Campaign Summer School, continuing her mission to build a more engaged, informed, and empowered generation.

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Visit to London South East Colleges (LSEC) Greenwich Campus

Had a great visit to LSEC’s Greenwich Campus in Plumstead this month.

The redevelopment of the college looks great with lots of local history thoughtfully incorporated.

It was also lovely to take part in a question-and-answer session with their ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students – hearing their stories was very inspiring.

Thanks to the whole LSEC team for their warm welcome.

Social Media post by Abena Oppong-Asare MP:

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Unveiling the new Children’s section at Abbey Wood Memorial Garden

Honoured to unveil the new Children’s section and plaque at Abbey Wood Memorial Garden.

The garden, entirely volunteer-run under the dedicated leadership of Secretary John O’Rourke, has been 11 years in the making.

It was a privilege to join the team, local community, and veterans for such a meaningful occasion.

Congratulations to John and all involved on this remarkable achievement.

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Applications now open for Abena’s Campaign Summer School 2025

This Summer, Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, announces she will once again be hosting her annual Campaign Summer School, and encourages young people interested in making a difference in their community to sign up now. 

Taking place from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th July 2025, the school is designed to empower and inspire young people between the ages of 16 and 18 from the local area to engage in politics and campaigning. 

The Campaign Summer School offers first-hand insight into the exciting world of political campaigning – bringing together the expertise of veteran political activists, local and national journalists, and partner organisations.  

At this jam-packed 3-day event, young people will have the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a real difference within their community and learn how to make their voice heard in our democracy.   

The Summer School programme is expected to include sessions from: 

  • Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council
  • Christine Quigley, Vice President of Crestview Strategy
  • Yeukai Taruvinga, Chief Executive of Active Horizons
  • Google Digital Garage Team  
  • Local and National journalists

Applications are now open for those interested in signing up. The link can be found on Abena’s website here and the deadline to sign up is Saturday 31 May 2025.

Abena Oppong-Asare MP said:

“As the first female government minister of Ghanaian descent I know firsthand that whether you’re dealing with environmental issues, crime, or education, effective campaigning is the key to influencing and challenging those in power.

“I am determined to do all I can to empower our young people to be the change they want to see in the world.

“That’s why I am so exciting to launch my Campaign Summer School 2025, taking place this July, and I encourage everyone aged between 16 and 18 living locally to sign up now! See you there.”

Testimonies from past Campaign Summer School alumni:

“We all left empowered and with our minds stimulated. The emphasis on the importance of thinking critically about the world around us, and how to take action in orchestrating the change we want to see.”   

“It was an amazing opportunity, it made it clear what we as young people can do to make a change, it inspired me to start a campaign and campaign to change something I am passionate about.”   

“It was eye-opening and inspirational and made me want to do more for society.”   

For any further information please contact the Office of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

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Visit to Lessness Heath Primary School

Enjoyed my visit to Lessness Heath Primary School in Belvedere, meeting Headteacher Miss Bolton, Assistant Headteacher Mr Jackson and Primary First Trust’s CEO Miss Hamilton.

It was also fantastic to tour the school, meet the wonderful students during their lunch break, and even wish the school dog, Lola, a very happy birthday!

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Greenwich Mummies Forum Visit

Lovely to join the Greenwich Mummies Forum at the Plumstead Centre as part of their festivities celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD).

It was inspiring to hear from our local mums and shine a spotlight on their incredible strength.

Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP with Greenwich Mummies Forum on Saturday 8 March 2025:

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Re-opening of Woodlands Farm Trust Education Centre

It was a pleasure to attend the relaunch of education classes at the Vaughan Mills Education Centre on Woodlands Farm, alongside Shooters Hill Councillors, Ivis Williams and Raja Zeeshan and the respective Mayors for Greenwich and Bexley.

I saw the fantastic nature on offer at the Farm on our tour led by Dr Barry Gray, chairman of the Woodlands Farm Trust. It is imperative more young people get outside and enjoy the great green spaces available to them in our constituency.

Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School:

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Walkabout with Greenwich Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team

It was important to recently join a walkabout with the Thamesmead Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT). It was insightful to see and hear firsthand how they deal with the challenges of policing in the local area. What stood out as especially valuable was observing how they cooperate with local schools to ensure a safe dispersal at the end of the school day – making sure the area is kept safe for the students and residents.

It is important we continue to restore trust in our police and crack down on all forms of crime.

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Visit to St Margaret Clitherow Primary School

It was a pleasure to be able to visit St Margaret Citherow Primary school in Thamesmead. Firstly, I thanked the students for their lovely designs for my recent Christmas Card Competition. I then had a mini-Interview with two of the runners up, Michelle and Arielle, who fired questions at me about my role in politics. I also asked what inspired their designs, and they shared that the beautiful scenery in our constituency was their main inspiration.

It was great to also join the Key Stage 2 assembly whereby the students asked about my role as their MP and my political journey. Lastly, I was taken on a lovely tour of the school by the Head Girl, Claire, and the Head Boy, Jimi.

Photos of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School:

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Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration

I was honoured to attend the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration. It was a poignant reminder to remember the past and stand against hatred. Grateful for the chance to reflect and pay tribute.

I was joined by Leader of Greenwich Council, Cllr Anthony Okereke, and Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat, alongside many others.

Photo of Abena Oppong-Asare MP at the Greenwich Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration:

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