University employs young people as researchers
Joe Lepper
Friday, September 25, 2009
A university has employed five young people to assist with research projects into children's rights and participation.
De Montfort University in Leicester has chosen the 16- to 18-year-olds to work for the university's Centre for Social Action as associate research assistants.
The first piece of work they will undertake is an evaluation of Participation Works, the government and lottery funded project to promote the involvement of young people in local services.
Jennie Fleming, director for the Centre for Social Action at De Montfort University, said: "We have worked with young people on research projects before but this will be the first time any have been employed by De Montfort University. We hope that by having young people employed at the university it will improve the quality of research."
One of the five employed, Ben Yates, 18, from Solihull, added: "My goal is to become a qualified youth worker and this work will help me acquire some of the essential skills and knowledge needed."
