Neath Port Talbot, Pupil Action Conference 2015

Pupil power was on the agenda last week as representatives from nine Neath Port Talbot secondary schools came together to discuss the achievements of their school councils.

The Pupil Action Conference, attended by over 70 pupils, aimed to support pupils and their schools to get involved in democratic issues and to help them to become active citizens on both local and global issues.

As well as sharing what the individual school councils have achieved over the past year, attendees also took part in workshops to develop strategies to raise awareness and take action on social issues such as mental health and the environment.

The one-day event was opened by Children’s Commissioner for Wales Sally Holland, who took the opportunity to consult with attendees on what her office can do for children and young people in Wales over the next five years. Part of the day was also videoed by the Commissioner’s office as an example of a good practice event which encourages pupil participation.

The pupils also heard from a representative from the Climate Change Commission for Wales before looking at ways schools can take part in a Global Citizen challenge to launch the new Sustainable Development Goals from September 2015.

The event was closed by Deputy Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council and Cabinet Member for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Peter Rees and Head of Participation, Chris Millis.

Taking place on Tuesday 23rd June at Baglan Community Church Centre, the conference was jointly organised and delivered by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Development Education Awareness Raising project (D.E.A.R.) funded by EuropeAid and the Big Lottery funded Neath Port Talbot Children’s Rights Unit.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council Cllr Ali Thomas OBE said: “Today’s school pupils are the citizens and leaders of tomorrow, so it is important for them to find their voice and realise the impact they can have on vital issues through their own personal and collective actions”.

“Events such as the Pupil Action Conference allow participants to return to their school communities inspired and informed by their peers and ready to raise awareness and take positive actions through school council activities”.