Students Become Powerful Voices for Change Through Change Makers Project

Date:  Thursday 23rd April 2026

Where: Canterbury Christ Church University 

RHA students proudly showcased their creativity, confidence and passion for social change after taking part in the inspiring Change Makers programme led by Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with the Kent and Medway Progression Federation.

The programme gave students the opportunity to explore important social, environmental and community issues that matter to young people today. Through a series of engaging workshops delivered by university staff and student ambassadors from Canterbury, pupils developed their ideas through posters, poems, speeches and letters written directly to Parliament.

The students’ final showcase took place in Canterbury, where they confidently presented their work to an audience including parents, staff and local officials. Among those in attendance was Sir Roger Gale, who viewed the students’ work and listened to their passionate speeches.

The event highlighted the importance of giving young people the confidence to speak up, share their opinions and stand up for the issues that matter to them. The Change Makers programme continues to do valuable work supporting students across Thanet to develop these important life skills, helping them understand the importance of advocating for themselves, their families and their communities. These skills will support students not only throughout their education and future careers, but throughout their lives.

The event was a proud and emotional moment for families and staff alike, as students bravely stood before the audience to speak about issues close to their hearts. Their work received recognition from Parliament, with every student receiving a personal reply to their letters.

At the conclusion of the programme, students were awarded certificates in recognition of their hard work and commitment. Several of the students’ posters have since been framed and brought back to school to celebrate their achievements and inspire others.

Change Makers forms part of the University’s outreach mission to engage young people with Higher Education, raise aspirations, boost confidence and help improve GCSE subject attainment. The programme aims to break down barriers to opportunity for school children and empower young people to become active citizens within their communities.

Through projects like Change Makers, students are developing valuable academic and communication skills while learning that their voices have the power to create real change. As the next generation, it is vital that young people are encouraged to speak openly about the issues affecting their lives, communities and environment. By giving students the confidence to share their ideas and campaign for causes they care about, the programme empowers them to become active citizens who can help shape a positive future for themselves and generations to come. 

As always our students represented the school in a respectful manner, representing the school with pride. They demonstrated RHA’s core values of being Ready, Honourable and Aspirational through their preparation, confidence, behaviour and determination to make a positive impact through their work.