Children’s champion hopefuls launch election campaign

Date published: 30 May 2019

Six candidates from across the borough are nominees for this year’s children’s champion role as elections are set to take place in primary schools.

There is a wide variety of manifesto points from all the candidates this year, as they all battle for votes up and down the borough.

Alex Kellyevans, 10, from Harwood Park Primary in Heywood, describes herself as ‘brave, fearless and responsible’. She wants to focus on making fitness fun, giving everyone a school ‘buddy’ so no one is alone, and having calm rooms in schools for people to go when they’re sad or angry.

Erin Buckley, from St Mary’s RC Primary in Littleborough, said she has ‘awesome ideas’ should she win. The 10-year-old has promised to focus on helping children love reading more, giving children the option of doing indoor activities during break times and getting therapy pets into schools.

Evan Sidell, 10, from St Mary’s RC Primary in Littleborough, wants to ‘play his part in promoting the positive image of Rochdale Borough’. He has developed his manifesto for election on reminding the younger generation how fragile the environment is, showcasing young people’s talents more in schools shows and events and campaigning for more youth clubs.

Layla Mack, 9, from Bowlee Park Community Primary in Middleton, likes ‘helping people and making a difference’. She wants to focus on not dropping litter as it can harm animals, raising money for homeless charities and also adoption; getting children the life they need.

Ruhani Hussain, 10, from Shawclough Community Primary Rochdale, hopes people will like her campaign ideas. She has based her manifesto for election on road safety outside schools, school rules on parking and visits to religious buildings to help everyone understand different faiths.

Xander Hall, 9, from Healey Primary Rochdale, wants to be the voice of young people. He has promised to create safer routes for wheelchair and pushchair users, develop a youth parade to celebrate difference and stop bullying and create safe spaces to play for young people away from teenagers and traffic.

The hopes of the six candidates are now in the hands of primary schools across the borough to choose their new champion.