The University of Warwick, E.ON and Child Friendly Cov recently hosted the inaugural Pupil Parliament event.
The event welcomed over 50 enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 children, accompanied by their teachers, from 16 different primary schools across Coventry.
Those in attendance discussed the essential pledges of Child Friendly Cov: being and feeling safe, healthy and valued, whilst also having opportunities.
One of the highlights of the day was a captivating spoken word workshop led by the esteemed poet, John Bernard. He emphasised the importance of feeling valued and embracing one's individuality, encouraging the children to express themselves creatively and authentically.
In addition, the children had the privilege of engaging with a panel consisting of elected members, university representatives, and health professionals. This interactive session provided an excellent platform for the children to pose insightful questions and gain a deeper understanding of governance, education, and healthcare in their community.
Furthermore, the event featured a captivating workshop conducted by Team Recycle, which aimed to educate the children about the intricacies of recycling in Coventry. Through interactive activities, the young participants learned about the significance of sustainable practices and the positive impact of recycling on the environment.
As the day unfolded, a momentous occasion awaited the attendees. The Child Friendly Cov phoenix mascot, which had been a source of excitement and curiosity, was officially given a name. After a closely contested vote, the young people in attendance enthusiastically chose the name "Ash" for the beloved mascot.
Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This was a great event that brought together students and teachers from schools across the city to work together as a team.
“It will have built links and friendships between those schools. Everyone there was so enthusiastic and ready to discuss a range of topics and come up with some wonderful and challenging questions and views. I look forward to seeing what happens next.”
Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Coventry City Council, said: “The event gave these young people the opportunity to express their views, share their experiences, and offer unique perspectives on a range of topics.
“They really did challenge, and their ideas and enthusiasm inspired and impressed all those present. They showed their passion for making a positive impact on their community and their city, and they were a credit to their schools.”
Expressing great joy and gratitude, Ash, the newly named phoenix mascot, shared, "I am truly honoured to be named Ash by the incredible young minds present at the Pupil Parliament event. This name reflects the spirit of resilience and transformation that we all aspire to embody. I am excited to continue supporting and uplifting the children and young people of Coventry as we work together to create a child-friendly community."
The University of Warwick, E.ON and Child Friendly Cov extend their appreciation to all the participating children, teachers, and organisations involved in making this event a resounding success.
The positive feedback received is a testament to the event's impact on the young attendees. As they departed with Child Friendly Cov goodie bags and smiles on their faces, the children eagerly pledged to share their remarkable experiences with their classmates, amplifying the spirit of collaboration and empowerment throughout Coventry.
Child Friendly Cov is a collaborative initiative dedicated to ensuring the well-being and positive development of children in Coventry. By engaging children, young people, and various stakeholders,
Child Friendly Cov aims to create an inclusive and empowering environment that promotes the rights, voice, and participation of all children in the city.