The Mayor of Reading visited The Abbey Junior School on Friday to award the newly elected school council members their badges in assembly. Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles congratulated the councillors before explaining more about what the role of Mayor means and answering questions from all the students

It was a particularly inspiring moment when she said that “we need more women in parliament and councils” and discussed the power of being authentic, encouraging them to, “be who you are”.

The Mayor then joined the new councillors for hot chocolate and shared advice on how to make a difference as a leader.

The Mayor encouraged them to “make sure their classmates’ voices are heard,” reflecting on the importance of “working together and negotiating” to make change.

She also led a powerful discussion about gaining “social capital,” the importance of volunteering and the value of “becoming part of the change you want to see.”

Latisha in Lower 1 said, “It was great to meet her” and took away from the assembly the importance of “helping other people” and “being yourself”.

After meeting the Mayor, Zaya in Lower 1 is planning to, “Bring other people’s ideas forward, be kind and be myself.”

We look forward to seeing the positive changes that our new school councillors make!