As part of our 35th anniversary celebrations, we’re spotlighting how EECF’s strategic, long-term investment has laid the foundations for lasting impact in East London, not just through funding, but through deep local knowledge, partnership, and adaptability over time.
In 2000, EECF piloted the Home-School Support Worker project on the Isle of Dogs, in response to persistently low school attendance. These dedicated roles were created to strengthen the bridge between families and schools, focusing on children’s welfare and improving attendance.
The success of that pilot was the beginning of something far greater. The model was so effective that it was soon rolled out across every primary school in Tower Hamlets, an early example of EECF’s ability to seed local innovation that is then scalable.
The Legacy in Action: Motiur’s Story
Today, that legacy lives on through professionals like Motiur Rahman, Home-School Liaison Worker at Stewart Headlam Primary School. Motiur continues to build trusted relationships with families, supporting not only attendance and wellbeing, but now also digital access, an essential utility in today’s connected world.
Last year, Stewart Headlam benefitted from EECF’s Connecting Communities, a digital inclusion initiative designed to give families the resources, skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly online world. Thanks to this programme, families received brand-new Chromebooks , 12 months of free broadband, and hands-on IT training to support their children’s learning and access local services.
Motiur witnessed a transformation. Families who once relied solely on mobile phones were suddenly using laptops with confidence, not only to support their children’s education, but also to access services, explore job opportunities, and sign up to adult learning courses.
Reflecting on the project’s success, Motiur describes the transformation he’s seen firsthand:
“It’s been a total game-changer. Parents were so used to tapping away on their mobile phones, but now they’ve got a desire for laptops. Once they got their hands on them and started playing around, they realised how vital it is for their kids to have access to the internet and a laptop for studying. They’ve picked up basic IT skills in a flash and feel empowered to lend a hand with homework.”
“Some families were sceptical at first,” Motiur adds, “but once they got a taste, they realised it’s not a luxury – it’s a must-have.”
Kamila’s Story: A Parent’s Perspective
Kamila Gimbut, a local resident and parent at Stewart Headlam, experienced the impact of Connecting Communities first-hand. Her daughter received a device and free broadband, but the support didn’t stop there. Kamila also took part in digital skills and online safety training, giving her the confidence to support her daughter’s learning journey.
“I’m so happy to see my daughter thriving with confidence, navigating her laptop. Her new IT skills have helped her achieve consistently higher grades at school. She’s even started making creative videos!”
Inspired by her daughter’s progress, Kamila decided to deepen her own digital skills. After completing training through our programme she enrolled on a Digital Assistant Level 2 course, expanding her own learning and employment opportunities.
“Watching my daughter flourish brings me a sense of reassurance. I’m proud that I can manage parental controls, support her homework, and even apply my own skills to new areas. It’s empowered both of us.”
A Legacy of Lasting Change
The Connecting Communities project at Stewart Headlam is a powerful example of what’s possible when long-term support meets local need. It shows how initiatives like the Home-School Support Worker project, first launched by EECF 25 years ago, continue to have a ripple effect — enabling trusted school staff to lead new, responsive work that reflects the realities families face today.
As we mark 35 years of EECF, we’re proud to champion digital inclusion, educational opportunity, and the community leaders like Motiur who bring it all to life. Together, we’re not just bridging the digital divide, we’re building the foundations for confident, connected, and resilient communities across East London.
Talk to us about how you can help
Nizam’s journey is just one example of how EECF empowers communities. To learn more about our work and impact, visit eastendcf.org/our-impact/.
