GIRLS from three schools in Bournemouth and Poole went to a session aimed at empowering young women in leadership skills and financial awareness. 

The year 9 pupils from Livingstone Academy and Magna Academy went to the session orgnaised by Bournemouth University at the Lighthouse along with year 8 girls from Poole High School. 

The programme also aims to equip the girls with a business acumen and offered an insight into a range of industries and career paths.  

Since January, the girls selected to take part in the programme have visited Bournemouth University for a TV studio session and campus tour, participated in an NHS and Healthcare careers session, toured AFC Bournemouth and taken a money management session and spent a day with Lush.  

Frankii Stockton, emotional literacy support assistant at Livingstone Academy, said: “Visiting a centre like Lighthouse, Poole has been totally inspiring and opened their eyes to new possibilities.” 

Pupil Paulina from Livingstone Academy said: “I’d never heard of this place before. I’ve learnt a lot about what goes on here.”   

Magna Academy student Skye said the workshop with Grace Lovelass captured her imagination. 

Schools liaison coordinator Natalie Woodward added: “You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out by age 14 but I hope they’ve got something from the companies we’ve visited and have a better idea of the range of careers that exist across so many businesses, charities and industries based in Bournemouth and Poole.”