Over 800 Scottish pupils come together online to challenge poverty
We were delighted to welcome 878 young people from across Scotland to special online Cost of the School Day sessions for Challenge Poverty Week. During 'Getting Ready to Tackle the Cost of the School Day' pupils learned more about child poverty and how to reduce and remove costs in their schools, to make sure everyone is included and ready to learn.
Both sessions were a lively mix of information, interactive elements and discussion, all designed to inspire more action in schools to tackle poverty. The work of young people in Cost of the School Day pupil groups around the country is central to the project, and we were joined by learners who could tell other young people about their school’s equity work.
Pupils from Dedridge Primary School in West Lothian shared what they’ve done to reduce costs at the Primary school session. Starr and Ella-Mae said:
Being part of this group makes me feel proud because I know we are helping children and families in our school. It makes me feel like my ideas matter and that I can help make positive changes in my school community.
Young people's responses during the session to the question 'what do you need as a young person to live a good life?'
Learners sharing ideas and advice
During the Secondary school session, Grace, Eva, Lucy, Lucy, Abbey and Charlie from St John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton told everyone what their school does, and offered some great advice:
Our top tip is to try and tell as many people in the school about it and raise awareness about cost of school day. The fact that it is for everyone in the school so that everybody's included and gets the same opportunities, it makes cost of school day much less a taboo topic and something that normalises it in the school community.
The group from St John Ogilvie also reflected that:
The difference we're hoping to make with this is to create a level playing field for everyone, just because the access to everything that we offer is universal to everybody. Everyone needs a bit of help at different times of their lives.
Further sessions coming up 24 November
It was great to have so many young people along to these inaugural sessions, but we know there are still lots of other school communities who might like to get involved. If you work in a school, or know of schools in your area who might be interested, get in touch to book a spot at the next sessions on 24 November: [email protected]
Looking for equity opportunities for your learners?
The Getting Ready to Tackle the Cost of the School Day sessions were designed in collaboration with pupil groups who are part of the Voice network. To be part of the Voice network, which offers young learners the chance to meet other groups online and share ideas, speak direct to those in charge of education and politicians, and be supported in cost reducing work at school, sign up below.