Bradford youngsters aim to be inspiration to others (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford youngsters aim to be inspiration to others

4:40pm Wednesday 14th October 2009

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Inspirational young people have kicked off the second round of a major education campaign encouraging other youngsters to ‘b someone’ special.

This taekwondo workshop with the England team was one of the opportunities laid on for more than 100 secondary school pupils at yesterday’s launch.

The first strand of the b someone campaign was to encourage adults to raise aspirations and boost children’s skills.

Now it is moving up a level focusing on young people and the benefits of them taking responsibility for their own development – with the help of parents, teachers, training providers and employers.

Yesterday, young people were given the chance to hear success stories and speak about their own dreams for the future in a ‘Big Brother’ style booth.

Young speakers at the event at the University of Bradford’s Norcroft building included 21-year-old Lucy Sinfield, from Ilkley, who is a single parent of two boys. She said she was a stay-at-home mum until getting on to a vTalent programme and starting work at a youth and children’s club. Now she is training to be a sexual health worker.

vTalent is a government-backed volunteering project giving young people a chance to make a difference to their career and local community.

Ian Ratnik, 22, is also a member of the vTalent team who, after losing his kitchen planner job last December, turned his hand to volunteer work, getting an NVQ at Bradford College.

The event was organised by Bradford Council, the University, Bradford College and the Bradford District Partnership, with entertainment by DJs Waxworks.

Council Leader Councillor Kris Hopkins said education and skills were the Council’s top priority.

He said: “They are our future and the district’s future. This part of the campaign is all about encouraging young people to go for it – to look at what’s on offer to them and be confident in making choices to discover their talents and develop their skills.”

Workshops gave the secondary school pupils a taste of different courses and life on campus.

Having a go on the University’s robotic telescope, taking part in a rocket workshop in the Space Connections WOW bus, getting to grips with a climbing wall and trying out self-defence with the GB Thai boxing team were just some of what was on offer.

Councillor Michael Kelly, who is the Council’s Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, said: “This is also an opportunity for employers, businesses and entrepreneurs to promote learning, training skills for their young staff and prospective employees.

“Both strands will now run hand in hand to help make sure all our children and young people are given the chance to fulfil their potential.”

Kath Tunstall, the Council’s Strategic Director for Services to Children and Young People, said: “Young people tell us that they would like role models to help inspire them with their own personal ambitions.”

The campaign will run through 2010 with more events to inspire young people.

To find out more about the b someone campaign, future events and links with Facebook and YouTube visit bradford. gov.uk/bsomeone.

e-mail: kathie.griffiths @telegraphandargus.co.uk

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