Issue details

The GM Schools Competition encourages young people to creatively explore how to raise awareness of and prevent child exploitation amongst their peers, utilising technology/digital tools. The aim of this project is to amplify young voices, to support them to present innovative ideas, and to work jointly with them to shape real-world solutions inspired by those directly affected by child exploitation.

The final event on Thursday 8th May will be an opportunity for the selected finalist teams to pitch their project ideas “dragon-den style”. The students will face a panel of judges, composed of the Deputy Mayor, the Co-director of the Institute for Children’s Futures, the Co-Director of the Reign Collective, a lived experience-led organisation, and 2 young leaders from Unity Radio who have recently been involved in a youth voice project in partnership with children open to Manchester Complex Safeguarding Team.

By involving young people in the Panel, but also in the audience and as team finalists, we are ensuring that this event is truly youth-led.