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Good morning. As my children and so many others around the country start back at school today I’m thinking of the African proverb, ‘It Takes A Village’. A reminder that it’s not just us as parents who help shape a young person but the people around them; friends, wider family, teachers, family friends, other role models. Prophet Muhammad taught the importance of keeping good company, what I guess we now often hear referred to as our ‘Tribe’, people who have our back, who can be a mirror of what good means, who make us better people for having them around us. On GCSE results day an inspirational story emerged of Haneen Al-Ghazawi from Northumberland who came as a refugee from Syria last year without being able to speak much English. Through her hard work, tenacity and determination, Haneen achieved 9’s and 8’s in her GCSE’s and wants to go on to study medicine and become a Doctor. Around her, Haneen will have developed her ‘village’ - of teachers and others who believed in her and worked with her. She felt welcome and safe to pursue her dreams here in the UK. I listened recently to a very moving conversation facilitated by the Â鶹Éç in Birmingham, between four people all of whom have come to Britain as refugees. Leah and Ruth came as children from Jewish families fleeing Nazi persecution in the 1930’s. Luway and Murad came more recently fleeing war in Syria. All four of them chatted candidly together about their shared experiences. What struck me was their ‘village’ that was necessary for them to survive and to thrive. The friendships, hope and helpful people around them together helped shaped their lives. Faith communities continue to be at the heart of this kind of work, helping people to feel welcome, providing places of sanctuary, giving people the tools and confidence to grow. My friend, Revd David Butterworth spoke on the Programme of those four people who he now calls his friends. He has helped so many people and reminded us that it is never just about a ‘project’ but is about linking hearts together to be so much more. I feel saddened every year when I hear about young people who have not done so well and are struggling to find their way. This is not just about academic exam results of course. It can be a lack of self-belief, a loss of hope and them not being encouraged and inspired to aim high and be the best they can be. We owe it to the young people around us to support them in their journey, to be part of making their lives what they deserve them to be. So as I send my four children back to school and university I am excited to see who else will become part of their ‘village’ and I am grateful to everyone who has helped them get this far.