From ‘Wings to the Classroom
Deba’s Journey of Growth and Giving Back
Brixton Wings is proud to celebrate one of our long-standing members, Deba, who is now applying her learning and leadership in the very community where her journey began. Currently a third-year Psychology student at the University of Westminster, Deba is completing a year-long placement at St. John’s Angell Town Primary School a school that sits at the heart of the community we serve, just a short walk from our Brixton Wings centre.
This placement, made possible through funding from Brixton Wings and The Walcot Foundation, perfectly reflects our mission: empowering young people to grow, give back, and create lasting impact within their own neighbourhoods.
Deba is fully ready and prepared for action.
Deba’s Story
“My name is Deba, and I’m a third-year Psychology student at the University of Westminster. Thanks to funding from Brixton Wings and the Walcot Foundation, I’m currently completing a year-long placement at St. John’s Angell Town Primary School. My placement is closely connected to my dissertation research, and I work with five students who have been identified as having additional learning needs for an hour each day.”
Deba’s role focuses on supporting students’ social and emotional development, building their confidence, and helping them engage more deeply with learning.
“I’ve found that using interactive, play-based activities, positive reinforcement, and personalised learning strategies are especially effective in keeping students motivated and involved. Small moments like a student volunteering to answer a question for the first time or proudly completing a task they once found difficult show how powerful consistency and encouragement can be.”
Learning in Action
This placement has been a deeply rewarding experience both academically and professionally giving Deba the opportunity to apply psychological principles in real-world educational settings.
“It’s given me a deeper understanding of how psychology works in practice, especially around behaviour, motivation, and emotional regulation. Working directly with children who have additional learning needs has strengthened my patience, adaptability, and communication skills, as well as my ability to recognise and respond to individual differences.”
The placement has also inspired Deba to refine her career goals:
“I’ve become increasingly interested in pursuing a path in educational psychology, where I can continue to support children’s emotional wellbeing and development. Seeing the impact of early intervention has shown me how essential psychological support is in shaping positive learning experiences.”
The Brixton Wings Connection
“My journey with Brixton Wings began over five years ago, and it’s been a major part of my personal development. Through mentoring, leadership opportunities, and confidence-building programmes, Brixton Wings equipped me with the self-belief and communication skills that have been essential during this placement.”
Being able to give back to her own community has been especially meaningful for Deba a chance to translate everything she’s learned into real impact.
“It feels deeply rewarding to apply what I’ve learned in a way that benefits others, especially in the same area that helped me grow.”
Looking Ahead
Deba hopes to continue her journey with Brixton Wings beyond university:
“Looking ahead, I hope to stay involved by mentoring younger members and contributing to projects that support youth development and education.”
Impact Snapshot
Quantitative outcomes:
5 pupils with additional learning needs supported daily
1 year-long placement funded by Brixton Wings and The Walcot Foundation
Over 150 hours of hands-on educational support delivered
Qualitative outcomes:
Increased pupil confidence and engagement
Real-world application of psychological theory
Development of leadership and communication skills
Strengthened connection between education, youth work, and community development
