Communities Empowerment Network

Communities Empowerment Network

Community Services

Provides free advice, training, support & representation for families seeking better outcomes for children in education.

About us

Communities Empowerment Network (CEN), established in 1999 by Gerry German alongside Professor Gus John and a dedicated team of lawyers, educators, and social workers, addresses the disproportionate school exclusions impacting Afro-Caribbean children. We offer nationwide support to families, providing advice, assistance and representation to help children overcome educational challenges, including permanent exclusions from mainstream schools. Our flagship initiative, Parents Empowering Parents (PEP), aims to eliminate barriers to educational success for vulnerable students by equipping families with the knowledge and skills to proactively secure better educational and life outcomes for their children.

Website
http://cenlive.org/
Industry
Community Services
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
London
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1999
Specialties
Advocacy Services , Parent Support, Education Advocates, and Children's Educational Rights

Locations

Employees at Communities Empowerment Network

Updates

  • CEN is recruiting to their board to ensure that our organisation continues to deliver a high quality advocacy, training and support to parents. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are keen to use their leadership skills and experience to lead/join a board that is committed to supporting parents seeking improved outcomes for their children in education and beyond. As a member of the CEN Board, you will play a vital role in making key decisions on CEN’s strategy and policies. You will contribute to the combined skills, expertise and knowledge of CENs trustees ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities and maintains the highest standards of governance. Leading or joining a board of a registered charity involves key obligations and responsibilities. Consequently, we suggest that you review the Charity Commission’s guidance which contains all the information necessary to ensure that you are successful in your chosen role. For further information and to apply visit the CEN website at: https://lnkd.in/enkj4Quv  

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  • CEN would like to wish our clients, supporters and followers a happy and peaceful festive season. Should you experience issues with your child's school in the run up to the seasonal break, please click the link in our bio to visit our website and select 'Get Help' to complete a Support Enquiry Form. Tis the Giving Season, so please, STAND BY CEN with a Christmas donation so that we can continue to stand by you when you need support. In the meantime, may this season treat us all with the kindness we all want and deserve. Happy Christmas! 🎄

  • Communities Empowerment Network reposted this

    "I discovered the Communities Empowerment Network during a challenging time when I needed support navigating issues at school. Throughout my experience, I faced many problems, particularly when it came to understanding the right steps to take. The CEN team provided me with the advice and guidance I needed, which helped me feel more confident in handling the situation. Their support made a big difference in finding the right resources for my child, and I am very grateful for their assistance." Azeb, Parent Supported by CEN. Help us keep hope alive for families in need. Donate now to support the vital work of Communities Empowerment Network and ensure every child has a chance to thrive. https://lnkd.in/eNHWHRmV #StandByMeCampaign #EveryChildMatters #EducationForAll #InclusionnotExclusion #ParentsSupportingParentsForum

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  • Preventing Exclusion, Preventing Crime. Today's headlines highlight a growing crisis: UK prisons are critically overcrowded with a severe lack of space. This isn't just an infrastructure problem - it reflects systemic failures that start much earlier in life. A stark statistic tells the story: nearly 50% of current prisoners in England were excluded from school as children. Behind these exclusions often lie unmet special educational needs, systemic inequalities, and families struggling to navigate a complex education system. For parents - especially those for whom English is a second language or who face additional challenges - this system can feel impossible to navigate alone. This is where CEN steps in. By empowering parents to advocate for their children, we help keep young people in education, giving them the opportunity to thrive and avoid the tragic trajectory that can lead to prison. Education should be a bridge to opportunity, not a path to exclusion. By addressing the root causes of exclusion today, we can reduce the burden on our prisons tomorrow and, more importantly, give children the futures they deserve. It's time to tackle the problem at its source. Support parents. Keep children in school. Break the cycle. Donate today. https://lnkd.in/eNHWHRmV #EducationMatters #PreventExclusion #EmpowerParents #BreakingTheCycle #EveryChildCounts #CEN #StandByMeCampaign

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  • "I discovered the Communities Empowerment Network during a challenging time when I needed support navigating issues at school. Throughout my experience, I faced many problems, particularly when it came to understanding the right steps to take. The CEN team provided me with the advice and guidance I needed, which helped me feel more confident in handling the situation. Their support made a big difference in finding the right resources for my child, and I am very grateful for their assistance." Azeb, Parent Supported by CEN. Help us keep hope alive for families in need. Donate now to support the vital work of Communities Empowerment Network and ensure every child has a chance to thrive. https://lnkd.in/eNHWHRmV #StandByMeCampaign #EveryChildMatters #EducationForAll #InclusionnotExclusion #ParentsSupportingParentsForum

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  • Black Caribbean pupils in England are nearly four times more likely to receive a permanent exclusion compared to the rest of the school population. The reasons behind these disparities are multifaceted, including systemic biases, cultural misunderstandings, and socio-economic challenges. These exclusions can have profound, lasting effects on the affected children, often leading to diminished educational outcomes and limited future opportunities. At CEN, we are dedicated to addressing these injustices by providing support and advocacy for families navigating the exclusion process. Our mission is to ensure that every child receives a fair and inclusive education, regardless of their background. Our Stand By Me Campaign aims to raise £50,000 to continue offering these vital services. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of many children and their families. Please consider donating to our Crowdfunder and sharing this message to help us combat educational inequality. https://lnkd.in/eeuuhSbP

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  • "The decision to exclude a child from school is a life-changing one" In this powerful film, Jack, one of our educational advocates at CEN, shares his experience of supporting families during some of the toughest moments of their lives. Jack has seen first hand the challenges families face when trying to challenge a school exclusion. Only 5% of exclusions are ever contested, and even fewer are successfully overturned. For many, the process feels impossible without the right support. At CEN, we provide vital advice, guidance and advocacy for families whose children are at risk of exclusion. Our work changes lives, but we're facing a real funding crisis. Without urgent support, we may not be able to continue helping the families who need us most. Please watch the film, visit our Crowdfunder page, and consider donating. If you can't donate, sharing the post or spreading the word on social media can make a huge difference. Together, we can stand by families and give every child the chance to thrive. https://lnkd.in/eNHWHRmV

  • Happy Friday! Start your weekend off by making a real difference. Support our urgent six-week crowdfunding campaign to help us continue providing vital support to parents and children in need. We stand with families whose children are at risk of exclusion, offering guidance, advocacy, and hope for a brighter future. Without your support, our ability to continue this crucial work is at risk. Join us in keeping these vital services for underprivileged families alive. Whether you donate, share our campaign or spread the word, every action counts. Let's work together to ensure no child faces exclusion alone. https://lnkd.in/eNHWHRmV

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