Opening Speech at Conference by Haryad
Opening Address at DCU CSN Conference
Haryad Akom
Opening Speech at Conference by Changemaker Student
Haryad Akom
Good morning, everyone, my name is Haryad Akom, and I am a 6th class pupil in Francis Street School in Dublin 8. My school is a DCU Changemaker school, and I am a changemaker.
Being part of a changemaker school is special because it makes you look at school in a different way. I was in another school prior to joining this school and well I can just say it was different. The moment entered Franner it felt special. It felt like I was part of a family, it felt like I was at home.
Everybody does that bit extra for you. We all look out for each other. It is not an exaggeration to say that the 4 pillars of empathy, creativity, leadership, and teamwork are central to everything we do.
In a changemaker school you are encouraged to build strong relationships with each other. We have a program in our school called Peacebuilders where we sit down as a group, and we learn about each
other’s backgrounds and families. This helps us to fully understand how and why people act in a certain way sometimes. The greater the level of understanding for each other the more empathy we have foreach other. Everybody has a story, and everyone deserves to be heard. When difficult situations arise, there isn’t shouting and punishment. When people are calm, we sit down and through restorative practise we learn to grow and develop together.
Pupil voice is central to being part of a changemaker school and it is my honour and privilege to be the first pupil to speak at this conference. In our school we have 6 teams, student council, green team, wellbeing warriors, Fit squad, Gaeilge team and our newest team the UNICEF Child rights committee. Through our involvement with the Changemaker schools’ program we have hosted the student council of Dalkey school, and we have also had the opportunity to visit their school. These were both amazing experiences.
In our schools we feel listened to by the adults. This is so important for us. In a changemaker school there are so many opportunities to grow and develop creatively both individually and as part of a team. I have been fortunate enough to participate in many exciting initiatives. I play guitar in our school band, I am a member of our school GAA and football team, I have participated in the Dragons Den initiative, and I was involved in the DCU writer’s academy where I had the opportunity to present a personal written piece as part of Culture Night right here in DCU.
Presently, I am rehearsing for our school musical Oliver where I am playing the role of Fagin.
Whether I’m in school, on a pitch, at a meeting, on a stage or in university I know that by being in a changemaker school I have been equipped with 21st century learning skills.
I am proud to be a part of this network and I am proud to be changemaker. Francis Street is a life changing school for me.
Thank you all for listening to me this morning. I hope you all enjoy the
conference.
Thank you.