He was a longstanding member of the Labour Party and an active trade unionist.

His work was governed by two main interests: education for young people on the one hand and, on the other, the twin twinning arrangement between Witten and Dagenham and, subsequently, Witten and Barking & Dagenham.  He had numerous friends in Witten all of whom appreciated his unique commitment and readiness to help at all times.

Before his death in 2001, after a two-year battle against cancer, Colin bequeathed his savings to a Trust Fund with the express aim of “helping young people in Barking & Dagenham and Witten to finance their continuing studies”.

Since its inception, the Colin Pond Trust has helped countless young people, both here and in Witten, to continue their studies at post-16 and fulfill their aspirations.

Overview

Anyone over the age of 16, who is considering taking a further or higher education course but needs extra financial help can apply for a bursary from the Colin Pond Trust Fund.

To be eligible, applicants must be:

• a resident of Barking and Dagenham (or its surrounding boroughs) and able to demonstrate a long-term connection with the borough
• a student (or former student) of a secondary school/college in the borough (or Witten) 
• aged 16 or over

The bursary must be used to part-finance a qualification for a career but not GCSEs, AS/A levels, GNVQs or similar.  Grants will not be given to fund work experience or business venture projects, or to fund courses where qualifications are unconnected to a career.  The maximum grant available is £500.00.

Applications are reviewed on an annual basis.  The closing date for applications for each academic year is 31 January.

For further information and an application form, please email colinpondtrust@lbbd.gov.uk

Trustee Profiles

Jane Hargreaves – Commissioning Director Education

Jane Hargreaves is Commissioning Director for Education for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.  Responsibilities include school improvement, school place planning and investment, admissions, post 16 destinations, early years, special educational needs and chairing the Cultural Educational Partnership and Colin Pond Trust.

Councillor Jane Jones

Councillor Jones is a lifelong resident of Barking and Dagenham and is married with two sons.   Councillor Jones was first elected to the Council in 2014 and currently holds the portfolio for Children’s Social Care and Disabilities.  Previously she served as the Chair of the Personnel Board and Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

As Lead Member for Children, Councillor Jones wants our young people to know we are ambitious for them.  We want them to have the best chance in life and every opportunity to live the best lives they can, and reach their full potential.

Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe

Originally from Kenya, Elizabeth Kangethe has been a councillor for Parsloes Ward since 2010 when she was first elected.  From 2014 to 2015 she also served as Mayor of Barking and Dagenham.  Councillor Kangethe is the current chair of the full Council Assembly, having held this post for three terms and she has also served as Chair of Children’s Services Select committee.

A qualified teacher, Councillor Kangethe has taught in the UK for over 15 years and has been a Headteacher.  She is also a Masters student in International Law and Legal practice. 

Councillor Kangethe is passionate to support and work with young people.