Rochdale students highlight child poverty as part of Youth Action Programme
Five young women from Rochdale took part in the borough branch of the programme delivered by the Co-operative College, an educational charity
A group of students have been highlighting the issue of child poverty in their community thanks to their work on the Youth Co-operative Action Programme.
Five young women from Rochdale, Greater Manchester took part in the borough branch of the programme delivered by the Co-operative College, an educational charity.
Working together the students, aged between 12 and 17, some of whom attend Falinge Park High School, created an online event inviting members of the public along to learn more about child poverty.
It included an interview with Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd, with Farah Khan, one of the young women, posing the questions.
Farah, 17, said: “The project has given me the platform and the opportunity to challenge the various issues surrounding child poverty and the stigma around child poverty.
“It’s helped me understand that challenging issues is necessary and that it needs to be done.
“It has also given me the confidence to challenge these issues.”
The scheme, delivered in towns and cities across England and supported by a £170,000 grant from the Co-op Foundation’s #iwill Fund, focuses on youth activism - hoping to inspire a new generation of young people to use co-operative values to make a change where they live.
Another participant Marium, 14, said: “The project has changed my life and the way I see the world by educating me more.
“Before I started going to school, the people who were part of the project were the only people I would see other than the people I live with.
“It helped me stop feeling lonely and sometimes it would be the highlight of my week.”
Sarah Boyle, pupil leadership coordinator, Falinge Park High School said: “The young people see the value in collaborative community work and want to use their new skills to enact real change in their community.
“As a group, they are already looking for ways to continue their work, including developing our school’s work with Citizens UK and other local organisations.
“It’s been a genuine privilege working with the College and watching as these young women grow in confidence, resilience and social responsibility.
“I am really excited to see what change the next project creates!”
Daniel Cox, UK Project Development Manager, Co-operative College said: “Working with the inspirational young women and incredible staff from Falinge Park High School on this social action project, in Rochdale no less, birthplace of the UK co-operative movement, has been the highlight of my year so far.
“Their work to raise awareness of child poverty in Rochdale and the UK, at a time when this has never been more crucial or challenging, is truly inspiring and a testament to their strength and courage.
“Watching them all grow in knowledge and confidence over the course of the project has been a privilege, and I know their work and passion will set an example to young people everywhere that they have the power to change their world.”
