East London News A Force for the community…
IT’S A partnership which has stood the test of time. Tower Hamlets Council and developers the Canary Wharf Group came together as long ago as 1990 to establish the Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust.
They’ve been working together ever since to support people who are studying for a range of qualifications in further or higher education, by postgraduate study or by professional or vocational training. The Trust has helped 4,500 local residents access those opportunities. That deserves a celebration!
In the second week of September (the Council hasn’t revealed the date), 75 residents who have been awarded grants came to the Town Hall with their families and friends. They joined politicians, trustees of the Trust and the Canary Wharf Group to celebrate the Trust’s performance.
Front row guests: Mayor Lutfur Rahman; Deputy Mayor Cllr Maium Talukdar; Trustee Cllr Amin Rahman.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman formally opened the event. Well known for always emphasising the importance of education, Mayor Rahman said, “These grants are helping residents overcome financial barriers and pursue opportunities that can transform their futures. I am delighted to congratulate this year’s recipients and want to thank our partners at CWG for their continued commitment to supporting the aspirations of Tower Hamlets residents.”
Shobi Khan, Chief Executive Officer of CWG, explained why this major developer has had such a long partnership with Tower Hamlets, saying, “Education changes lives, and our partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets demonstrates the power of public and private sector collaboration. Through the THCWFET grant, we are supporting 75 students today and more than 4,500 since the programme began, helping local residents gain the skills and qualifications they need to access future employment opportunities. By investing in education and skills, we are helping create lasting pathways into work and supporting a positive impact that extends beyond Canary Wharf.”
Cllr Maium Talukdar welcomes the grants.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Maium Talukdar is a trustee of the Trust, as well has having been educated locally and representing Canary Wharf ward on the Isle of Dogs. He spoke with first hand understanding of the benefits of education, saying, “We know that financial pressures can prevent talented people from continuing their education. These grants provide practical support that enables residents to develop their skills, achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Congratulations to all of this year’s successful applicants. I wish them every success in their studies.”
There are quite strict eligibility criteria for the fund. This year’s funding round is over, but if you wish to apply for courses starting in 2027, go to the Council’s website and read up about the Trust. Awards from the Trust complement a range of other measures to support those in education: browse the Council’s website for more information.
●For more information about the Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Trust, go to:
Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust
●●For more general information about support for those in education, go to:
School finance and support
●●Read more about it:
More school exam results up in Tower Hamlets
Mayor Lutfur Rahman praises school achievement
