We spoke to Harm from Manchester Metropolitan University Society&Change Saturday Club about their time on the programme.
Why were you interested in a Saturday Club with a Society&Change focus?
I wanted to learn about how people and countries work together to deal with international issues. I think it’s really important for young people to join activities outside of school because some people are shy and it’s hard for them to interact with new people, but I’ve made really good friends at the Saturday Club.
What projects have you enjoyed the most this year?
I enjoyed all the sessions, but I really liked when we celebrated International Women’s Day because we learnt about music from different countries, wrote about our culture and histories, and also got to dress up. I made a costume in black and red with a heart in the middle, it was really fun.
What word would you use to describe your Saturday Club?
Diverse, because everyone at the Club gets the chance to speak. Nobody’s judging you.
What does Society&Change mean to you?
Where everyone’s voice is heard, and how we can make change in our society, all gathering together.
Have you had any breakthrough moments at the Club that made you realise something or think differently?
Last year we did gardening and it made me think about how some people don’t care about plants, but I realised how important they are and that we should definitely be taking care of them.
Who inspires you?
The librarian at my school. She told me about this Saturday Club and also other activities around school. She always tells us that she actually treats us like her own kids. She told me about a book review competition, so I wrote one for Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah, and I actually won. That wouldn’t have been possible without her.
If you could make one thing better in the world, what would it be?
I’d like to prevent global warming and extreme weather conditions, for example tsunamis, because of the number of people it’d save.
What do you think the best thing about being your age is?
I think the best thing is you get more opportunities. When you get older the opportunities might help you communicate, even if you’ve been a part of a Diversity Council or School Council. Things like the Saturday Club helps us in the future but also in the present. We learn things that we don’t really learn in school.
How would you describe the sense of community at your Saturday Club?
It’s really, really, great to meet new people, and the people I’ve met, we’re all friends now. The teachers and the tutors and all the people are so nice and so lovely. I would be at Saturday Club from Monday to Friday if I could.
In terms of the future, what are your next steps?
I want to be a doctor, and a lawyer… but I’m also interested in history. My parents remind me that I don’t need to think about these things right now though. Short-term, I want to join a debate team, and continue with Society&Change.
If you could say anything to your future self what would you say?
I’d say to think about your trust in people, and join the Saturday Club next year.
Manchester Metropolitan University Society&Change Saturday Club members in a 2022-23 Masterclass with Mines Advisory Group.
At the Manchester Metropolitan University Society&Change Saturday Club, Club members explore themes such as wellbeing, green and city spaces, race and racism, politics, education, creativity, and our place as humans in the world. Club members also take part in national events including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the Summer Show, where Saturday Clubs nationwide exhibit their work in a public exhibition – all for free!
Interview conducted and edited by Anisha Jackson