'Discrimination - it stops with me'

As we shine a light on the impact of ASB on young people today, we are highlighting an award-winning campaign, launched by Prestatyn High School pupils in a bid to curb discrimination.

The campaign named ‘It stops with me’ was launched by four pupils to tackle all forms of discrimination within the school and in the community.

It came following a conversation between inspirational student, Ameera Ahmad and the school’s deputy headteacher when Ameera raised her concerns around discrimination and hate crime occurring in the school and the wider community.

She asked that staff to do more and address it head on.

Ameera was joined by three fellow pupils, Karly Larkin, Beth Rhodes and Morgan Wall, who have all driven change and been a vehicle to demonstrate the school’s commitment to eradicating discrimination and to bring about positive change.

Ameera, Karly, Beth and Morgan, said: “As a group, we want a completely non-racist school and a community that does not discriminate.

“This is something we can work to build over time. We want to minimize the discriminatory behaviour and language that is sometimes used.

“We want to help educate and inform all members of our school and community to help celebrate diversity.

“We believe it is extremely important to appreciate diversity and create an atmosphere of support in the school and community where prejudice is challenged.”

They have since been recognised for their work at the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Awards, held in June, where they won the ‘Young People’s Award’, having been nominated by Youth Engagement & Intervention Officer, Mel Cartledge-Davis.

Officer Cartledge-Davis said: “It was an absolute honour to be able to nominate the ‘Discrimination, it stops with me’ campaign for the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Award.

“These four pupils have shown dedication and motivation to impact real change in their school and community and really are remarkable young people who absolutely deserve the recognition received.”

Since launching the initiative, the school has now incorporated a new lesson within the school curriculum, aimed to tackle discrimination, prejudice, and bullying. 

Neil Foley, Prestatyn High School headteacher, said: “These students have been striving to make our community a better place, whilst at the same time as preparing for their GCSEs. They are dedicated and motivated to impact change.

“Working with these amazing students has been an absolute privilege. We can't stress enough how brilliant these young people really are.

“They deserve recognition for their work, and we are so proud of them. The local community should know what truly inspirational young people they are.”

 

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