Young ‘future leaders’ of Oldham impress during special visit to the ‘best school ever’

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills met the ‘future leaders’ of Oldham during a special visit to Richmond Academy.

Cllr Mohon Ali chatted with the Children’s Leadership Team at the school, who are nominated and elected by their classmates, about the democratic process and they had chance to quiz him about his role as a councillor.

He also gave them an insight into his own school days and shared some words of inspiration.

Telling the children that attendance is linked to success, he said: “With everything you can learn and improve. If you put in the effort you always come out really well.

“Maybe one day you might become the future leaders of this town.”

Cllr Ali talked to the pupils about his role

Head girl Maisha, 10, told Cllr Ali that she has been inspired by her time at Richmond to become a teacher, and head boy Rex, also 10, wants to become a doctor.

Footballer and archaeologist were among the other aspirations listed by the children.

Cllr Ali, who was educated at Bare Trees Primary and Grange School, told the children that he went on to become an audit manager working in central government.

Asked what he enjoys about his role as a councillor, and portfolio holder for education and skills, he said: “It feels satisfying because there is a lot you can do to help people.

“It’s about the service the people of Oldham are getting from the council and I feel really happy that I can make a difference to benefit residents.

“I can take issues to the leadership table and say ‘let’s work together to change things.’”

Cllr Ali was welcomed to the school by the head boy and girl

The children’s leadership team are appointed to be the voice of their fellow pupils and to have their say towards the future of the school, such as lobbying for different types of playground equipment or suggestions for rewards.

Cllr Ali, who was welcomed on arrival at the school by principal Claire Rahman, also asked the leadership team about their manifesto for Richmond Academy.

“Anything to make the school better because it’s the best school ever,” replied one pupil.

Cllr Ali said after the visit: “I was most impressed to hear from the Children’s Leadership Team during an enlightening visit to the Richmond Academy. 

“These children are the future of Oldham, and it was a privilege to meet and hear from them. I’m sure they have a  bright future ahead of them and I’m wishing them all the very best.”

Cllr Mohon Ali with the Children’s Leadership Team and headteacher Claire Rahman

Mrs Rahman said: “Richmond Academy’s Children’s Leadership Team thoroughly enjoyed meeting Cllr Ali.  They particularly enjoyed hearing him speak about his own aspirations when he was young and the importance of the democratic process in society. 

“They very much enjoyed the parallels with their own election to the Children’s Leadership Team.”