Candidates line up to be the next children’s champ
PUPILS at schools across Rochdale are to go to the polls to vote for their new children’s champion.
Six candidates from across the borough are nominees for this year’s children’s champion role as elections take place in primary schools.
There is a wide variety of manifesto points from all the candidates this year, as they all battle for votes up and down the borough.
ALISHA KHAN, from Kentmere Academy in Smallbridge, wants to focus on mental health, basic first aid training and global warming should she win.
ISABELLE STOTT, from Woodland Primary, Heywood, has promised, should she win, to focus on bike safety, building cohesion between different schools and involving children in decision making.
JAMES CAWLEY, from Little Heaton primary Middleton, has developed his manifesto for election on making sure all schools sign up to the Daily Mile, getting primary schools to partner up with their local library and introduce a Guardian Angels scheme in schools to give young people a voice.
MILLIE CONNOR, from Holy Trinity primary, Littleborough, wants to focus on happy and healthy children, making sure dog walkers pick up dog dirt and helping the homeless with left over school dinners, if she wins.
MOLLY JUDGE, from Alkrington Primary, Middleton, has based her manifesto for election on getting more places for young people to hang out, helping reduce plastic waste and planting more trees.
SOHA HUSSAIN, from Lowerplace primary, has promised to raise awareness of different religious, help children get active and stop bullying should she win.
Coun Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “These elections are always great and the turnout from primary schools is amazing, we are really grateful for their support.
“I am so impressed by the manifesto points of all the candidates; they are really thoughtful and well considered.
“I wish them all the best in the election and I’m looking forward to the result.”
Candidates are chosen following individual and team exercises at sessions with workers and the children’s council, facilitated by Rochdale youth service.
The elections will be taking place in the borough’s schools over the next fortnight.
The result will be announced on Tuesday, July 23, in the council chambers at the town hall, where the Mayor of Rochdale, Coun Mohammed Zaman, will declare the winner.