The news
COSARAF is proud to celebrate the first Diversity Day of 2026, welcoming 30 students from Azhar Academy Girls School, Lantern of Knowledge, and The Forest Academy to an inspiring and immersive experience at Downing College, University of Cambridge.
This powerful day of exposure, learning, and aspiration was delivered in partnership with our long-standing collaborators Naz Legacy, whose work over many years has been instrumental in widening access to higher education for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
The day began with a guided walking tour of Downing College’s historic grounds, where students were introduced to the rich history of Cambridge and the realities of university life by a current first-year student. They explored key spaces across the college, including the library and chapel, helping to bring university life to life in a tangible and relatable way.
Students were also given the unique opportunity to visit the Zoology Museum, where they took part in an interactive board-game-based team activity focused on climate change and environmental responsibility — combining learning, collaboration, and critical thinking in an engaging format.
The day concluded with a Q&A panel session, providing students with a safe and open space to ask questions about all aspects of life at Downing College — from subject choices and admissions pathways to accommodation, student support, and campus culture.
We extend our sincere thanks to the incredible team at Downing College, Cambridge for their warm welcome, generosity, and commitment to widening participation. Their support created a meaningful and inspiring experience that students will carry forward in their educational journeys.
This Diversity Day forms part of our long-standing partnership with Naz Legacy, built on a shared mission to break down barriers to higher education and expand opportunity for young people from underserved communities.
Over the years, our collaboration with Naz Legacy has supported:
- Sustained university exposure programmes
- Access and aspiration initiatives
- Pathways to higher education
Together, COSARAF and Naz Legacy have worked to move beyond one-off experiences, instead creating long-term pathways of opportunity that enable young people to see higher education as accessible, achievable, and attainable.
This partnership reflects a shared belief that widening participation is not just about access, it is about belonging, representation, confidence, and sustained support.
Diversity Days like this one are about more than visits, they are about changing perceptions, expanding horizons, and creating belief. For many students, experiences like this mark the first time they can truly imagine themselves in spaces like Cambridge.
Through partnerships, sustained engagement, and community-led programmes, we remain committed to creating pathways of possibility that help young people move from aspiration to action.
We are proud to continue this work alongside Naz Legacy and our university partners, building futures, strengthening communities, and widening opportunity for the next generation.
