Southampton students have addressed policymakers in Parliament about the profound impact of child poverty.
The students from Oasis Academy Lord's Hill took the opportunity to share their experiences at an event hosted by The Children's Society and Oasis UK.
The event marked the launch of a new report, "A Chance of Childhood," which calls on the Government to prioritise the experiences of young people in its child poverty strategy.
The Year 11 students from Oasis Academy Lord's Hill played a central role in the report, sharing their firsthand accounts of how poverty affects their community and countless others nationally.
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Their insights, included within the paper, highlighted the daily challenges and limitations imposed by financial hardship.
During the parliamentary event, an Oasis Academy Lord's Hill student said: "We stand before you today not just as students, but as witnesses to the silent struggles of young people in our community trapped in poverty.
"Poverty is not just an economic issue; it is a cycle that suffocates ambition, crushes potential, and makes even the simplest impacts of home life unbearable."
The event received attention from Members of Parliament, including the Labour MP for Southampton Test.
Speaking at the event, MP Satvir Kaur stated: "We can't continue to let down generation after generation of our young people.
"We must do everything we can to deliver a better and brighter future for all in Southampton, and this starts with putting an end to child poverty."
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Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children’s Society, expressed his gratitude, saying: "We are so grateful to the young people who have helped give their important insights to inform our report as well as speak to MPs and peers in Parliament.
"We want the government to listen and really hear what these young people are telling us.
"We all need to commit ourselves to fight for the change we need, so that every child has a good childhood, free from poverty, and where they’re able to thrive, not just survive."
John Parker, director of excellence at Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill in Southampton, proudly said: "Everyone at Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill is so proud of our fantastic students for openly sharing their experiences and growing concerns as part of The Children’s Society’s report."
Beyond their impactful presentations, the students were given a guided tour of Parliament and enjoyed engaging conversations with various MPs.
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