May 2023 saw two more of our Youth Co-operative Action (YCA) cohorts celebrate their weeks of learning by holding social action events.

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First up was YCA Rochdale, with year eight and nine students from Falinge Park High School.

Their event focussed on raising awareness of racism, bullying and loneliness, and was attended by fellow students, friends and family, 'City in the Community' staff, and the Mayor of Rochdale, Ali Ahmed.

Our YCA participants gave a impactful presentation on racism, that included testimonials, statistics, poetry readings and interactive games. This was followed by lively debate, pledges and commitments of solidarity. For a relatively young cohort, taking on such a complex and often negative theme, the young people managed to make the event positive, progressive and engaging.

We would also like to extend a huge thanks to our school partner Falinge Park High school, and Miss Boyle for being such an unwavering supporter of the College and the YCA project.

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The second social action event took place in Lewisham, with our YCA London cohort.

In London, our YCA participants attend Christ the King (CTK) Sixth Form College, and learning is facilitated by our project partners, 7PK.

Their event, which was attended by the Young Mayor of Lewisham, was aimed at their fellow CTK students and focussed on financial awareness and literacy. The cohort arranged for guest finance experts to attend to run three workshops covering the topics of:

• tax and mortgages
• the financial habits of the rich and famous
• understanding a payslip

All three sessions engaged and challenged students on their money mindsets and encouraged them to think about their financial futures.

With the cost of living crisis looming large, and young people facing a more uncertain future than ever this session proved to be very timely and relevant.

Following the financial workshops, the YCA participants held a raffle, with all funds raised donated to a local charity, and attendees were treated to some refreshments, provided by local Caribbean and vegan food venders.

The College would like to thank our project partner 7PK for helping our young co-operators to deliver such an amazing and impactful social action event.

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As always, the College is incredibly proud of all our YCA cohorts for completing the project and conducting their social action events. 

Find out more about Youth Co-operative Action.

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