Meeting the Alumni

By Faith Bennett, Community, Wellbeing and Youth Leadership Apprentice



In terms of youth leadership, there is no better example within our trust than that of the ASSET Alumni group. Each individual member makes the active choice to take part in the programme and better the lives of the students that follow. It is a voluntary group whose purpose is to help ease the transition process of moving up to high school. When I spoke to them in the October half term, their reasons for joining reflected the benefits that youth leadership can bring to a community. 


One of the most profound answers came from Esme, who said that they were using their voices for “those that aren’t heard”.  There was a clear sense of responsibility to community within the group, as they all wanted to help those that were unable or didn’t feel comfortable voicing their opinions. This gave me a sense of the mindset of the Alumni and how they view youth leadership. Of course, there were the more fun answers of “to get away from my brother” or “to have something to do” but it was clear that the Alumni all felt a responsibility and a want to help people. 


Another popular reason for joining was that they felt their ideas were newer and fresher, while adults were more likely to “stick with the old ways” as Kalp phrased it. They also felt that they had a greater understanding of the issues as they were directly affecting them. This belief in the validity of their ideas and their ability to recognise their own strengths is reflective of the confidence that youth leadership can create and shows why youth voices are needed. However, the most popular reason overall was to achieve something, which again reflects their commitment to improve their community. It is hard not to be inspired by the Alumni and be aware of just how powerful youth leadership can be.


I first met the Alumni group on the 17th of September at the Ipswich Corn Exchange, where they gave speeches in front of an audience on stage. They spoke out to the adults who are existing leaders, and it was clear from everyone in attendance that their voices were heard. Their speeches included topics such as how they wanted to change the perception people in Ipswich have of young people and make adults realise they are informed and that schools and communities should give young people chances. It was an incredible moment and highlighted the impact of youth voices, as their wishes for the future seemed to motivate those in the audience and made them hopeful for the future the Alumni will lead. The Alumni are working on a project called ‘The People Park’ and idea for outdoor space in the town designed by them to solve an issue that will greatly benefit their peers. Their passion for their idea was irresistible!


Over half term the group gave some great feedback about their experience of high school, transition, and also mobile phone and social media, which will help us to develop guidance for our school communities.


I'm excited to continue working with this great group of young leaders!