Before the training
What do I need to bring?
In order to provide training for as many young people as possible, our accommodation will be relatively budget and basic. Participants will need to bring their sleeping bags and other bedding to sleep comfortably. They should pack for a 2-day overnight stay including a change of clothes, underwear, pyjamas, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, any face or body wash, etc.), towel and anything else they will need. If they require medication, please ensure they have packed enough for the 2-day residential.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
No, the purpose of our training is to equip participants with all the skills they need to become Campaign Champions in their own right. We will be taking them through our Send My Friend to School campaigning and explaining why we think it’s so important that every child has access to a quality education. Our inspirational speakers and facilitators will lead exciting, skills-based training which will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to become Campaign Champions.
Are applications only open to students aged 13 – 15?
Yes. We would love to expand our programme but for now our 2-day residential has been specially designed to cater for those between 13 and 15 years who we think will benefit most from this training. In the English and Welsh schooling system this means students in Years 9 and 10, however we realise this is different for Northern Ireland and Scotland, and we will accept applications from any students aged between 13 and 15.
But remember that the wider Send My Friend to School campaign is designed for all ages – both primary and secondary – and we encourage as many as possible to take part!
Are applications only open to students from state schools?
Yes. We would love to expand our programme, but initially we have decided to focus specifically on state school students who we feel are less likely to have these kind of opportunities.
Facilities
Will food be provided?
Yes, all meals will be catered for and we will provide snacks and drinks throughout the day.
What if I have a special dietary requirement?
Once the students have been selected, we will get in touch to ask if they have any special dietary requirements that need to be accommodated for.
Will the venue have disabled access?
Yes the venue is fully accessible.
The training
Can parents and guardians attend?
No, the reason we have opened up the programme to year 9 and 10 pupils is because we feel they will be confident and mature enough to attend the residential just with their partner student and one of their teachers. We will also have Send My Friend campaign facilitators and staff in attendance.
Will there be time scheduled for participants to relax?
Yes, although it will be a packed schedule, we will ensure that participants also have time for socialising, making friends and relaxing! We want this to be a fun and exciting experience for participants.
After the training
What will be expected from participants after the training?
After the training we will have a program of exciting actions for participants to get involved in throughout the rest of the year. This will be both central campaign opportunities such as speaking at events, writing letters to decision makers, as well as activities within their school or community such as running an assembly or talking to local media. We do not expect participants to get involved in everything but would like them to at least be part of one central action and one community based action.
Send My Friend to School brings together thousands of children across the UK to speak up for the right to education.