Powys youth make their feelings known

Local youngsters joined others from across the county to let their opinions be know through the ‘Spotlight on School Councils’ Conference organised by Powys Youth Forum.

 

The teenagers, who represent the voices of young people across the county, carried out research and presented their views to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, county councillors and senior officers to help improve the work of school councils.

 

Youth Forum member, Abigail Green aged 18, explained: “School councils are an important way to get student voices heard; by getting these influential people together we have planted the seed for the future progress of school councils. Our recommendation is that school council members meet to discuss good ideas and practice to make sure that pupils in Powys are actively involved in the decisions of their schools.”

 

Keith Towler, The Children’s Commissioner for Wales and the country’s principal champion for young people commented: “It’s great to see organisations coming together to look at ways that school council’s can be more effective. We need to make sure that school councils are not just a token gesture; they need to be able to make a difference. They should be driven by young people with adults able to respond to the issues raised. Thanks to Powys Youth Forum for inviting me and hosting such a successful event.”

 

A report with recommendations will be presented to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales and to the Senior Officers of relevant services in Powys.