Young people have graduated from a two-week programme of activities held by Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams.
They were treated to talks and workshops on subjects such as apartheid and transport and met a range of politicians including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Tom Tugendhat.
It marks the first time since the start of the pandemic that participants have been able to complete the program in person.
Joining the MP to present graduates of the programme was Bryn Hughes, the father of PC Nicola Hughes – who died in the line of duty in 2012.
The first in-person summer school that the Member of Parliament has held since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, Debbie 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.”
Students spoke to a range of parliamentarians including Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health & Social Care Wes Streeting MP, Nadia Whittome MP, Shadow Secretary of State of Transport Louise Haigh MP, Tom Tugendhat MP and Alison McGovern MP.
The MP added: “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!”
Lancashire County Cricketer John Abrahams, who is the husband of the MP, delivered a presentation on apartheid South Africa.
John’s family originally came from South Africa, before moving to the UK to play cricket professionally.
As part of this year’s Summer School, participants also visited the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham at his office to discuss a range of topics, including empowering young people in the region and the difference between working in Westminster and the devolved authority.
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: “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."
Mr Hughes said: “It’s been an honour and a 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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