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Equipping the next generation of citizens

ResPublica and EBLEX co-host public discussion

"There is a tragic waste of potential in this country today. The young people of this country are as passionate and idealistic as any generation before - perhaps more passionate. But too many teenagers appear lost and feel their lives lack shape and direction."

So said the Prime Minister when he launched the National Citizen Service initiative in 2010. Whilst the current and future status of young people in society have always been a public policy priority, the Government's 'Big Society' catapults this to the forefront of political debate.

The Big Society calls for active participation of individuals in improving their communities, emphasising civic roles and responsibilities. But policy makers and commentators often concentrate on the 'end-result' or the formal structures such as education and family, without focussing on the soft skills and attributes of active, responsible citizens. What personal qualities and experience gained will cultivate engaged future citizens? And whose responsibility is to mentor, encourage or simply impart knowledge to young people in our communities?

Coinciding with the launch of the "5by25" campaign, ResPublica and EBLEX are co-hosting an interactive event which will seek to address these questions. "5by25" is a campaign aiming to equip young people with the skills to cook 5 recipes from scratch by the time they are 25. From literacy to cooking, time management to personal finance, we will discuss further the skills and attributes necessary for the next generation. This public event will host representatives from government, business, volunteering groups, youth training and mentoring organisations, and of course, young people themselves.

We look forward to welcoming the following speakers:
  • John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning at the Departments for Business, Innovation and Skills and Education
  • Ginny Lunn, Director of Policy and Development, Prince's Trust
  • Jane Ritchie-Smith, Consumer Marketing Manager, EBLEX
  • James Martin, British Celebrity Chef, host of BBC1's 'Saturday Kitchen'
  • Patrick Shine, Chairman, The Challenge Network

The event will be held on Monday 17th October 2011 at 6pm, at the Vincent Rooms, Westminster Kingsway College, Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PD. Please see here for a map.

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 

For further information, please contact Annalisa Plachesi, Events and Fundraising Co-ordinator annalisa.plachesi@respublica.org.uk.

Photos from Equipping the Next Generation of Citizens


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Detailed Summary

When
17 October 2011
From: 18:00
To: 20:00

Where
The Vincent Rooms, Westminster Kingsway College, Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PD