Hodan, deputy young people’s Mayor for Tower Hamlets, from Mulberry School took part in 11 million day today, Friday 23rd November. She worked with Kevan Collins, Director of Children’s Services, as he went about his daily work, attending meetings, visiting a school to talk about children’s voices in improving the school with the Headteacher.

11 Million Day has been organised nationally by the Children’s Commissioner for England, and young people all over the country have been working with adults in local and national government. There are 11 million children and young people in England. In Tower Hamlets it was organised by the Youth Participation team and local council.

A confident and relaxed Hodan said she would be willing to do Kevan’s job, though she would be nervous during the first few weeks. She said the work was difficult as he is the boss of children’s services and has to check everything and meet lots of people.

Her day was different from what she expected. She thought it would be harder and stricter, but the team have been friendly and very positive.

She contributed to a meeting with Claire Hawkins, Lead Councillor for Children’s Services, on how the Borough can get children aiming higher at KS2 and KS3.

When asked if she would become a politician she said no, she wants to be a paediatric nurse.

Kevan really enjoyed spending the day with Hodan. “It’s been great having young people working with us in the Town Hall. They have made a real contribution and I’m sure many of them are set to run the Council in the future”

Visit the 11 million website:

http://www.11million.org.uk/takeover-day.html

Local Borough Youth Website to find out more:

http://www.amp.uk.net/nodes/Home.html