Kirklees Youth Councillors Take Part in Debate at Huddersfield Chambers
On 13th October, 17 of our Kirklees Youth Councillors from Years 8–10 had the exciting opportunity to visit Huddersfield Chambers to work alongside representatives from King James’s School, Huddersfield. Together, the students took part in a thought-provoking and dynamic session with the Kirklees Council Executive Board, where they shared their views, experiences, and hopes for the future of their communities.
In preparation for the event, students wrote and delivered their own speeches on issues that matter most to them as young people in Kirklees. Topics included personal safety, the condition of town centres, the lack of facilities for young people, volunteering and work experience opportunities, and the importance of inclusive play areas for all.
Two key focus areas of the discussions were:
- How the Council can engage young people more effectively in decision-making processes.
- How schools and the Council can encourage more young people to get involved in shaping local policies and community projects.
Students were also keen to be involved in social action projects that would help make a positive difference in their local areas. They shared creative and thoughtful suggestions, such as introducing artwork in town centres to foster a sense of pride and community identity, and developing specialist markets to help revitalise the once-famous Dewsbury Market.
The event was a valuable opportunity for our students to develop their confidence, public speaking, and leadership skills, while ensuring that the voices of young people are heard at the highest levels of local government.
We are extremely proud of our Youth Councillors for representing our school with maturity, passion, and commitment to making a positive difference in Kirklees.