'Supporting their communities': Wakefield children graduate from MP’s Summer School
Children have graduated from Jade Botterill MP’s free ‘Summer School’, which taught them about how they can support their communities.
Ms Botterill was ‘inspired by the passion and intelligence’ of the students, who had the chance to visit Parliament, Wakefield Trinity, and Downing Street.
The course included talks from former and current local councillors, charities, Government ministers, and journalists.
Eleven children graduated from the course, which Ms Botterill set up to give young people opportunities and direct experience in politics, law, media, and making change in their community.
Children began their training with talks from local politicians from multiple parties, and charities, including former and current Kirklees Councillors Will Simpson and John Taylor.
Ms Botterill and her team also ran practical workshops on how to run a campaign on important local issues.
These workshops gave students the skills they need to be able to shape their communities, including practicing their debating ability, which means that, when they feel something in their area needs changing, they are equipped to raise their voice.
They also travelled to Westminster, where they visited Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and the Department for Education and they had the chance to meet with Josh MacAlister MP, Minister for Children and Families, where they discussed the issues that matter to them.
While in Westminster, they met with Ralph Blackburn, the Yorkshire Post’s Westminster Correspondent, to discuss the role that journalists play in politics.
They were also hosted by Wakefield Trinity, who provided a tour of Belle Vue Stadium, as well as Wakefield Town Hall.
Ms Botterill said: “Whenever I’ve met with local young people, their commitment to their community has been clear, but so many didn’t know about how best to serve their area.
“People feel like decisions are made far away by people that aren’t like them. But politics shouldn’t just be for the well-connected in big cities, it should be local people who love where they live.
“I was inspired by the passion and intelligence of the students, and it was amazing to see the students gain confidence over the week.
“Thank you to the people and organisations who gave their time to help the next generation. I’m already excited for next year’s cohort.”