Wycombe Abbey Pupil Advocates for Girls’ Education Through Charity Concert.
22 January 2026 - All
At the beginning of the year, Wycombe Abbey pupil, Shirley (UV), a young musician with a growing sense of global responsibility, brought together an audience in Hong Kong for a charity concert.
On 3 January, the Methodist International Church hosted ‘Shirley and Friends – A New Year Charity Concert,’ an event Shirley initiated to raise funds for Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation programme that supports girls’ education, health and protection in underserved regions. Shirley performed ten pieces alongside more than a dozen musicians, including former music teachers, invited musicians and friends who came in support of a cause Shirley felt could no longer be ignored.
The concert grew from her involvement with Girls Rise Global, the youth initiative she founded as a Girl Up affiliate after learning about the 129 million girls worldwide who are denied schooling. Recognising her own privilege, she set out to use music as a way to support others, ‘I had everything while girls my age were denied even basic education,’ Over the Christmas holiday, she organised the concert almost entirely herself, from planning to recruitment, ultimately raising an incredible £1,880, all donated directly to Girl Up.
For Shirley’s parents, the event was as much about her growing confidence and determination as the funds raised. They shared, ‘What mattered most to us, however, was seeing how much confidence she gained from committing herself to a clear goal, taking responsibility for it, and persevering until it was fully realised.’ The experience reinforced Shirley’s belief that music can inspire hope and open doors for those without opportunity.
Looking ahead, Shirley hopes to bring that same ambition into her life at Wycombe Abbey, and is keen to contribute even more to School life, particularly through music, wherever her strengths can be of value. Her parents, ‘know confidence and independence develop gradually…’ and they recognise the role Wycombe Abbey plays in that journey, ‘…we are very grateful for the supportive environment and guidance she receives’.
Well done, Shirley, we are so proud of you and look forward to seeing what you do next.
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