Young people lead change through new OU project

Young people at Bridgend College have developed new confidence, skills and ideas for social change, through a joint project delivered by The Open University in Wales and its partners.

The Newid Future Generations Changemaker Academy, delivered alongside the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Bridgend College, and Unloc, was designed to support Further Education learners aged 16–25 to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to make a difference in their communities.

Project evaluation

An evaluation of the pilot, written by Dr Donna Smith of The Open University, found that participants reported increased knowledge of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, stronger leadership skills, and more confidence to make change. All students who took part in a final focus group said they felt more effective as changemakers after completing the programme.

 

 

 

The Newid evaluation report

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Read the summary report

Programme delivery

The programme combined in-person bootcamps, online sessions, guest speakers and independent project work. Students explored leadership, active citizenship, democracy, public speaking and social action before designing their own changemaker projects.

Projects developed by participants included ideas focused on student wellbeing, inclusive sports, LGBTQIA+ representation, animal rights, and improving access to physical activity as a way of supporting mental health.

The Academy was rooted in ambitions of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, so it was great to see that the participants showed increased understanding of the act, as well as an increase in confidence and leadership skills. By providing high-quality guest speakers and different ways of teaching, the project team helped the learners feel more effective as changmakers.

Dr Donna Smith The Open University

The Open University supports the Sustainable Development Goals.

• SDG 4 ‘Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’
• SDG 10 ‘Reduced inequalities’
• SDG 16 ‘Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels’