Mayoral honour for Waltham Forest researchers

A scientific research project into a disorder that affects around 15,000 people in the UK saw pupils from Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest win prizes.

Year 7 and 8 pupils from the secondary school took part in the Mayor of Waltham Forest’s Sickle Cell Disorder and Nutrition campaign, which was started to raise awareness of the condition.

Over 100 people in Waltham Forest are thought to have Sickle Cell Disorder, which is the fastest growing genetic disorder in the UK. It can lead to health problems like strokes, serious infections and lung problems, and is particularly common in those with African or Caribbean heritage.

Participants in the activity were tasked with researching Sickle Cell Disorder, its symptoms and ways to manage the condition, before presenting findings in a piece of work which proposed how more awareness can be generated to support those affected.

With multiple finalists in the borough-wide schools competition, Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest pupil Faduma Ahmed was awarded first prize in her age group. Year 8 pupil Faduma produced a poster which featured a 7-day meal plan with nutritious meals to help reduce the chances of developing the disease.

Both Faduma and her fellow pupils were honoured at an award ceremony at Waltham Forest Town Hall, where they received recognition for their hard work with certificates handed to them by Mayor Cllr Elizabeth Baptiste.

Science STEM coordinator at Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest, Asha Saleban, said:

“As this disease disproportionally affects our community, we thought this was an incredibly important campaign to get behind.

“Our pupils all worked so hard in researching and presenting their findings of how to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disorder, and hopefully their ideas can be used to spread the word as well as support those in our community who are affected in their day-to-day lives.”

Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 25th Jul 2022 | Posted In: Good News Stories, Latest News