MP’s 'brilliant' summer school certificates presented by special guest Bryn Hughes

Bryn Hughes, the father of PC Nicola Hughes who tragically lost her life in the line of duty in 2012, joined MP Debbie Abrahams to present graduates of this year’s Working for Your Community Summer School with their certificates following a two-week programme of workshops, trips and work placements in the borough.

Speaking about the first in-person summer school that the Member of Parliament has held since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, Ms Abrahams told attendees: “Running virtual summer schools was a necessity over the past couple of years, but being face-to-face again - seeing all these wonderful young people learn and develop over the last two weeks - has been brilliant.

“Compassion in politics was a central tenant of this year’s Summer School.

"The severe heat and its impact on the rail network prevented us from visiting Parliament in person.

"However, participants still got the chance to speak with parliamentarians over Zoom about how politics can be more compassionate.”

Over the course of a day the young people spoke to Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting MP, Nadia Whittome MP, Shadow Secretary of State of Transport Louise Haigh MP, Tom Tugendhat MP and Alison McGovern MP. 

“Participants met my wonderful colleague Marzia Babakarkhail and listened to her incredible life story that took her from Afghanistan to the UK in the most unimaginably difficult circumstances; listening to her inspiring tale of how she overcame the odds stacked against her; even standing for elected office here in Oldham,” added Ms Abrahams. 

Ex-Lancashire County Cricketer (and the local MP's husband) John Abrahams delivered a presentation on apartheid South Africa, where his family came from to the UK to play cricket professionally.

Mr Abrahams discussed with the group the significant role sport can play in holding to account nations that employ apartheid policies.

As part of this year’s Summer School, participants visited the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham at his GMCA offices to discuss a range of topics, including empowering young people in the region; the difference between working in Westminster and the devolved authority as well as his plan to deliver better transport infrastructure across Greater Manchester.

The young people taking part also met the leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Amanda Chadderton, in the Council Chambers to talk about the importance of a strong public service ethos in local politics.

Ms Abrahams said: “Meeting regional leaders like Andy Burnham and introducing participants to some of the wonderful opportunities offered by the devolved Authority - such as the graduate scheme - really does expand their horizons and offer them a further platform to develop their skillsets in civic work.

“As do the work placements that the participants undertake during their second week of the Summer School.

"Organisations that serve our communities across the borough including Keeping Our Girls Safe, Positive Steps, Greater Manchester Police and Action Together offered placements that provided our young people with excellent work experience and practical skills.

“I was very proud to have two participants - Layla and Amelia - do their placements in my constituency office.

"They attended the Cost-of-Living Summit by Oldham Council and wrote a report on what they learnt from the summit about the challenges facing residents across the borough and what immediate action can be taken by local authorities to support people.

“As ever, it was an honour to be joined by Bryn Hughes to present graduates with their certificates and talk about the fabulous fundraising work he has done for the PC Nicola Hughes foundation.

"My thanks go out to our placement providers, workshop speakers and excellent participants for making our return to face-to-face Summer School’s such an enjoyable experience.”

Mr Hughes said: “Its been honour and privilege to be invited back and take part in the last few years of summer school and see how the young people enjoying and getting so much out of the placements.

"It is absolutely fantastic. I look forward to next year.”

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