Empowering student voices: Timi Champions experience a day in London

This year’s event saw 32 enthusiastic students embark on a journey to strengthen their skills in governance, leadership, and effective communication.

The day commenced with an engaging question-and-answer session with The Rt Hon. Lord Newby OBE, followed by a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. This remarkable opportunity allowed students to witness British values and the essence of democracy in action.

After the parliamentary visit, the group headed to Anthem’s head office in Victoria. On their way, they explored iconic London landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St James’s Park, and Buckingham Palace. One student from Grampian Primary Academy in Derby remarked that riding the tube and navigating the large escalators felt like a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.

In the afternoon, the students took part in a workshop led by Joel Drapkin from the Speakers Trust, an organisation dedicated to empowering young individuals as confident communicators. Timi, our founding Timi Champion, opened the session with inspiring words that set a positive tone for the day.

Timi Champions serve as student representatives on Anthem Community Councils (ACCs), playing a crucial role in ensuring student voices are heard within our governance structures. The workshop aimed to enhance their confidence and skills, enabling them to effectively represent their school communities and advocate for student perspectives.

The impact of the workshop was evident as students who previously felt shy in public speaking delivered eloquent speeches. It was heartwarming to see participation from students across a diverse range of ages, from Year 2 to Year 11.

At the end of the day, students were rewarded for their hard work and progress with Timi Champion certificates, pin badges, and goody bags filled with memorabilia donated by our dedicated ACC members.

Feedback from students and Timi Champion supporters was overwhelmingly positive, with many claiming it was ‘the best day ever’.

The trip not only provided enriching cultural experiences but also helped build skills that will benefit their futures. Their passion, oracy skills, and leadership potential were truly inspiring.

These students are now ready to bring their voices to the Anthem Community Councils and Executive Team, playing a vital role in conveying the lived experiences of our 8,000 students as part of the trust’s governance community.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this memorable day possible. We couldn’t be prouder of these exceptional ambassadors for Anthem!