Local School Students in Brighton Become Role Models
Local year 9 students learnt how to be role models for younger students as part of an on-going programme to improve their confidence and resilience. Students, aged between 13 and 14, are taking part in the inspirational Be the Change programme, which is happening for the first time in Brighton.
The students were encouraged to become positive role models and were taught that by working together they can have a positive influence and impact in their respective schools and communities. Overall the conference helps the young people to develop life skills and create positive cycles. The year 9 students were also taken by surprise and were joined by local primary school students for them to mentor at the Brighton Racecourse on Friday, March 1.
Organised by LoveLocalJobs.com in partnership with Graham Moore of metamoorephosis, the programme has more than 40 volunteers from local businesses and the public sector acting as business guides helping young people fulfil their potential and improve their life chances. Be the Change focuses on happiness, confidence, hope, relationships and employability by identifying and removing barriers to success, encouraging self-belief and raising aspirations. Over the course of the school year the students work with the business volunteers at inspirational conferences, one-to-one mentoring sessions and workplace visits.
This year’s programme would not be possible without support from this year’s sponsors: Sussex Police, Brandwatch, American Express, Legal and General, Focus Group and Brighton & Hove City Council.
Graham, who expertly led the delivery on the day said: “Our vision is for every young person to have raised hope and confidence, to have the chance to develop life skills and create positive cycles that will prepare them for life. Working with the younger children brings out the positive role model in our students. It promotes qualities such as leadership, team working and a sense of responsibility to those around them, especially younger and more vulnerable people. This activity also offers a great chance for the younger students to develop their confidence and experience of being around secondary school students in preparation for moving into higher education.”
David Reynolds, CFO of headline sponsor Brandwatch said: "As soon as we heard about the Be The Change programme we wanted to get involved. It has been great to work with some really inspiring school children across Brighton on building their confidence and creating aspirations for the future. A truly great initiative and we are proud to be part of it."
The secondary schools involved in this year’s programme are: Blatchington Mill, PACA, Varndean, Hove Park, Kings School, Longhill High School, Cardinal Newman and Dorothy Stringer. Year 6 primary school students took part in the Stepping Up activity from Downs Junior School.