Southend Adult Community College students, staff and volunteers today (Thursday 13th October) met with Ed Miliband MP (Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Labour Party) and Ed Balls MP (Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer).
The surprise visit took place in the unlikely setting of Southend East Station after Judith McMahon, Labour Councillor for Kursaal Ward contacted the College for an unplanned meet and greet at the station. Ms McMahon had only visited the College 2 days before, during the meeting Ms McMahon met with Jay Ellis, Tutor 16-18 Pre-Apprenticeship course, and discussed young peoples disengagement from politics.
Mr Miliband & Mr Balls spoke to a group of the college’s JIBES (Journey in Building Employment Skills) 16-18 Pre-Apprenticeship Course students about a wide range of subjects including Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and Apprenticeships.
Connor Davey aged 17 of Southend said: “It was really good to talk to someone who can actually help us. We spoke about the fact that we no longer get EMA and about the other things we are now doing to get money. EMA was really important to us”.
Daniel Miller aged 18 Southend said: “It felt good to talk to someone at such a high level and for someone to actually listen to my voice and what I had to say”.
Jay Ellis JIBES Course Tutor said: “I am delighted that Mr Miliband & Mr Balls took the time to speak to the students. Previously in class the students have spoken about politics and believe that no one is interested in what they have to say or their views. Mr Miliband has now invited the students for a tour of the House of Commons and they are all eager to go. This meeting may really impact on their future and bring some change to their lives”.
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