YOUNG people at MP Debbie Abrahams’ Working for your Community Summer School received their graduation certificates after a busy two weeks in the borough.
The Mayor of Oldham Cllr Ginny Alexander awarded certificates to the 17 participants who completed the sixth annual programme run by the MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth.
The young people sent their first week expanding their knowledge of community development work and campaigning skills and tools.
They benefitted from sessions delivered by experts and leaders in community development, campaigning, communications, sports and politics including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding and deputy leader Arooj Shah.
Then the second week saw participants work on projects with Oldham-based community organisations and charities.
And they also enjoyed a visit to Parliament with Mrs Abrahams, where they also met Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow.
Freya Barrass was one of eight participants from Saddleworth, along with Lisa, Libby, Katie, Tom, Caitlin, Vicky and Archie.
Freya said: “It’s a great feeling to think you can help make such a difference to people’s lives.
“Debbie’s summer school has really helped me understand the importance of working in your own community.”
Mrs Abrahams said: “Each year my Summer School gives me a boost from meeting such high calibre young people, who are so full of energy and enthusiasm, and so keen to broaden their experiences and learn about how they can make a difference in their own communities.
“It’s also wonderful to see the change in the students as they gain confidence and make new friends amongst the group, and the local organisations that host them.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to the many organisations who’ve hosted the students and given them such valuable hands-on experience of working in the community and helped bring the theory to life.”
The organisations that hosted students were: Positive Steps, Age UK; Greater Manchester Police, Oldham Council, Open Forum Events, Action Together, First Choice Homes Oldham, Inspire Women Oldham.
