NYA Update: York Youth Council -- Investigating child poverty in York
Friday, April 1, 2011
York Youth Council's Young Researchers have been investigating child poverty in York. Their findings will feed into the city-wide poverty strategy, developed by City of York Council.
The group's research included carrying out a literature review of relevant documents and policies, and research to help decide on the areas to focus on. The group then sent questionnaires to all schools and groups of young people, and they ran focus groups with young people from across the city.
The recommendations from the research were:
- More financial education in schools is needed
- Young people need more information and awareness about apprenticeships
- More work needs to be done with young people to raise their aspirations
Since finishing the report, the group has been offered additional funding, which it hopes to use to help achieve one or more of its recommendations, either through developing a resource pack for schools and groups about financial education, or a publicity drive around apprenticeships. To view the full report, visit: www.yor-ok.org.uk.
Young researcher Hannah McMahon said: "By doing the research I have understood more about people living in poverty in our city. I realise the challenges they are up against and how hard it can be to break the cycle and get out of poverty. It's good that we have got some extra funding so we can actually make a difference based on what we found out and change people's lives for the better."
