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Voices of the future: Students shine at youth conference

Voices of the future: Students shine at youth conference

Passionate learners from the Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus proudly represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, held in partnership with local MP Margaret Mullane.

Held at the cutting-edge UCL Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory (PEARL) in Dagenham, the landmark event provided a dynamic platform for young people across the constituency to voice their concerns, share their aspirations, and shape the future of their community.

The students from NCC Rainham joined those from local schools and colleges to discuss key issues affecting their lives, and contributed to an invaluable exchange of ideas.

The conference featured an inspiring line-up of guest speakers, including accomplished dancer Claire Hough, who has performed at the Brit Awards, and former Olympic athlete turned professional boxer Billy ‘Boom Boom’ Adams.

Representatives from community initiatives such as Elevate Her, The Habbit Factory and the advocacy group Hope Not Hate, also delivered thought-provoking presentations. Their messages of resilience resonated deeply with the students, offering motivation and even potential future opportunities for workshops and work experience placements.

The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.
The Student Union at Rainham’s Construction and Engineering Campus represented New City College at the first ever Dagenham and Rainham Youth Conference, with MP Margaret Mullane.

Interactive workshops challenged the students to explore three key questions:

  • What are the biggest challenges young people face today?
  • If you could change one thing in the area overnight, what would it be?
  • What are your aspirations after finishing education?

The students highlighted concerns about online safety as well as the need for diverse career pathways and improved skills development opportunities.

Their future ambitions spanned various sectors, including engineering – a course offered at the NCC Rainham Campus – to medicine, the arts, and even politics.

Natasha Bryce, Lead Pastoral Tutor at New City College Rainham and Ardleigh Green Campuses, said: “Our Student Union represented the Rainham Campus brilliantly at the conference. They were engaged and enthusiastic and contributed to the ideas and suggestions in a thoughtful and mature way. The conference has contributed to their personal growth and left a lasting impression on them. Some of them are now hoping to drive a positive change in the local community.”

The event concluded with MP Margaret Mullane reaffirming the importance of youth voices in shaping policy. She confirmed that the feedback gathered at the conference would contribute to the ongoing consultation for the ‘Deliver You’ National Youth Strategy, currently being developed by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport.

 

Are you looking for a college that gives you more than just qualifications? Apply today for New City College and get involved in a whole range of extra-curricular opportunities 

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