University of the First Age

The festival celebrated the young people who are involved in leading learning and was a day of rewards, recognition, relaxation, learning and fun. It was also a chance for young people from across the country who all came together last year and trained as Lead Learners, to once again be reunited. The day was filled with workshops such as Circus Skills; bin-bag fashion and animation to name a few. Live music was provided by local college bands 'Belle Diem', 'TAFKAT' and 'Glass Garden'.

Lead Learner Umanaz Ali from Bordesley Green Girls School said "Last year when I came to the residential to train as a Lead Learner, I was really quiet and shy but doing the training and running a multisports club at my own school, with another Lead Learner has really helped me to become more confident." Commenting on the YoUFiestA, Umanaz says "Today has been an amazing day; there are some people that I haven't seen for ages and it's brilliant to see what the other Lead Learners have achieved at their schools. And seeing them bringing their own groups and clubs here today and being responsible for leading them is great."

The event was organised and run by a team of YoUFA Reps, with minimal involvement from adults. Steve Moffat is a YoUFA Rep and has this to say about the day: " Being put in charge of the decision-making for this event was strange. But good! I have loved every minute of today. The local bands were really good and got morale going early on in the day. I have loved working with such a dynamic group of young people."