The Pavers Foundation has given £20,000 to Hull and East Yorkshire Children's University, initiated by Ian Paver and Debbie Paver, Trustee of The Pavers Foundation.
Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Children's University endeavour to inspire and raise ambitions of young people in the area. 1 in 3 children in Hull and East Yorkshire grow up in poverty with a quarter growing up in out of work households, many don't have access to the opportunities and experiences that other children have. The majority of children that the charity works with have never left their home city with many never leaving the estates they’re growing up on.
HEY Children's University works to build young people's confidence and help these children to understand what's going on in the world outside of their communities by providing unique learning experiences that are an insight to certain opportunities and experiences. HEY Children's University also help children with their home lives and with their numeracy and literacy skills, giving them a better chance for later in life.
Ian and Debbie Paver, who live in the Hull and East Riding area, have worked closely with the Hull and East Yorkshire Children's University for 10 years. About 6 years ago they were introduced to Kai.
Kai first received support from HEY Children's University when he was in care after troubled past.
Watch the short animation below to find out more about Kai’s story.
Rosanna James, Partnership Manager at the HEY Children's University expressed her thanks to the Foundation:
“We are so grateful to the Pavers Foundation for their donation of £20,000. Debbie and Ian Paver have supported our charity for many years, in particular our Children in Care Programme.
Debbie’s work with Kai helped spark his interest in photography, something which has given him direction in his life. She offered to make a donation so that our charity could help him further now that he has left care and help him achieve his dream of becoming a professional photographer. This donation has paid for driving lessons for Kai and equipment so that he can make his business as mobile as possible”
Debbie Paver, Trustee of The Pavers Foundation and supporter of HEY Children's University said:
“Working with Hull and East Yorkshire Children's University has taught me a big lesson; I will never take my happy childhood memories for granted.
Many of the children that HEY Children's University support are in care, and have suffered both physical and mental abuse, their parents are often substance abusers or are in prison. HEY Children's University works tirelessly to support children born into disadvantaged circumstances or who are experiencing difficult childhoods and works to implement change and break the cycle to ensure they have opportunities to lead a positive and fulfilling future, something every child has the right to.
If the Foundation can help bring happiness to children who are experiencing exceptionally difficult situations, however small it may be, then I know we’re doing a good job”.
