Project Rousseau (USA link)
Since 2017, CLS have been working in partnership with Project Rousseau to help them with their international cultural exchanges. Every year families from CLS host students from the US who were participating in their visits programme. We also support Project Rousseau in devising a suitable schedule for their time in London, provided educational experiences at the School and holding a celebration event to conclude the visit. At this event the students, who typically come from families on an average annual income of less than $10 000, spoke movingly about the positive impact of their visit. We were delighted both to welcome and hear from Andrew Heinrich, Project Rousseau’s Founder and President.
Aims
At CLS we seek to nurture a deep-seated sense of social responsibility. Our pupils know that there are others less fortunate than they are and strive to make a positive difference at school and beyond.
Key elements of the Strategic Vision 2019-2024 are: 'Through partnership and opportunities for voluntary service and charity work, our pupils will understand the responsibilities they have to society. We will seek to embed within them a commitment to service, and an understanding that they can make a difference, right now.' and 'We benefit from our iconic location, and our community is enriched by pupils from all parts of London. We will harness these assets to shape the educational experience for all our pupils. At a time when society is seemingly becoming more insular and polarised, we will strive to ensure our pupils are cosmopolitan and outward-looking.'
Project Rousseau is an organisation based in New York whose mission is to empower youth in communities with the greatest need to reach their full potential and pursue higher education. They achieve this by delivering mentoring, academic support, community service programs and international cultural exchanges for the young people referred to them. All of their students live well below the poverty line.
Project Rousseau relies on partner schools, like CLS, to deliver its programme.
Background
CLS were approached by a former parent who was involved with the work Project Rousseau and we were delighted to become one of their partners.
Resources
Every year families from CLS host students from the US who are participating in their visits programme. We also support Project Rousseau in devising a suitable schedule for their time in London, provided educational experiences at the School and hold a celebration event to conclude the visit.
The Deputy Head - Co-curricular & Operations oversees the programme.
Impact
CLS plays a significant part in enhancing Project Rousseau's Broadening Horizons programme. The Founder and President writes, ‘Project Rousseau has had the pleasure of partnering with CLS since 2016. Our partnership has centred on our annual exchange programme, in which our students spend a week with CLS host brothers and their families, experience daily student life at CLS, and life in London. The exchange is an extremely enriching and profound experience for our students, and our annual dinner at CLS is a highlight. Our partnership with CLS has since built on this strong foundation to involve CLS boys interning with us in New York, and other modes of collaboration. We also now offer CLS Old Boys the opportunity our Gap Year Fellowship. We are so grateful for CLS' collaboration, and look forward to many wonderful years of partnership to come.’
Pupil Involvement
Annually about 8 students visit the UK with Project Rousseau. CLS's Year 12 pupils and families act as hosts. We hope to return to this model as we emerge from the pandemic.
Frequency
Annually.