A Wales for All
This month marks the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, of millions of children being displaced, and of many finding solace and protection in Wales. The Commissioner recently met with a group of young people in south Wales, who had all fled their home countries to seek sanctuary here.
These included teenagers aged between 15 and 18, all with their own hopes, dreams, ambitions and potential, as well as clear trauma and heartbreak from what they had experienced and left behind.
Rocio has written about this visit in a blogpost, reflecting on the wider societal and political context, and the role of education in creating a Cymru i Bawb – a Wales for all.
Read Rocio’s blogpost – A Wales for All
Welcome, new panel members!
We loved meeting the new members of our youth advisory panel this month in Llandudno and Port Talbot.
Our panel gives the Commissioner independent advice, support, scrutiny and challenge, and they are crucial part of delivering the promises of our three-year work plan.
If you haven’t read our three-year plan and want to learn more about Rocio’s ambitions for children in Wales, you can do by following the link below.
Experiences of RAAC
Young people at Ysgol Caergybi appreciated the opportunity to share their experiences of the disruption caused by RAAC with the Commissioner in a recent visit, drawing parallels with the disruption caused by the pandemic.
In a post on the the school Facebook page, they said:
The Children’s Commissioner for Wales plays a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and well-being of young people. The Commissioner’s recent visit to our school provided a unique opportunity for pupils to discuss the challenges stemming from the partial closure due to RAAC measures. Engaging with the commissioner empowered students to voice concerns and share experiences directly with a key advocate. This interaction not only highlighted the commissioner’s commitment to understanding the impact of policies on children but also emphasised the significance of involving young voices in shaping decisions affecting their education during these unprecedented times.
Visit to Latch children’s cancer charity
Rocio visited Latch, an independent charity who support children and their families while they’re being treated for cancer.
Young people told us about the huge importance of being able to continue learning alongside receiving treatment, echoing the messages we heard in our report into education in healthcare settings in Wales.
Read our report on education in healthcare settings
The problem with Learner Travel
Rocio has written about the significant inequalities and inconsistencies facing children across Wales when it comes to getting to school.
This month, she also gave evidence to a Senedd committee on this issue, outlining her concerns, which include a loophole in local authorities’ duties to risk assess routes.
Read Rocio’s blogpost – The Problem With Learner Travel
Before you go
- Monthly Matters is the name of our new monthly discussion packs for schools and clubs. Over 1,500 young people have taken part since January.
- Read our latest policy position paper, Racism in secondary schools in Wales.
- Our team can give advice and support to children and the adults who care for them. Learn more on this web page