A West Lothian teenager is determined to make a difference to the lives of children and young people across the UK.
Lena Zielinska (16), from Broxburn, has joined the NSPCC’s Young People’s Board for Change (YPBC).
She has spoken about her passion for helping other young people, her experiences of being a member of the YPBC, and why she would recommend the group and other similar opportunities to young people.
The YPBC is a group of 15 young people, aged 13 to 16 from across the UK. They share their views and ideas to advise the NSPCC on what matters most to children and young people.
They get involved in lots of fun projects and get the opportunity to travel across the country to take part in residentials, meetings, and workshops.
Lena said her experience has been ‘amazing’ and that everyone has been really ‘kind and accommodating’.
Her highlights include interviewing trustees at the Esther Awards, an annual celebration named after Childline founder Esther Rantzen, where NSPCC staff and volunteers are awarded for innovation.
She has also had the opportunity to get involved in decision-making, such as at the Esther Awards. This makes her feel like she is ‘actively making a change’.
She said: “We got involved in the Esther awards where I got to go through candidates and determine who had the biggest lightbulb moment. I also saw Natalie Dormer at the awards which was amazing, I couldn’t keep my cool! Not only do we get to share our perspectives, but we are making a change.”
Lena is particularly passionate about addressing bullying in schools because she believes not enough is being done to stop it.
On the issues she thinks schools need to address, she said: “Schools need to show they care instead of just ticking boxes.
“There is a lack of awareness of eating disorders, and general gender inequality and not enough is being done to prevent bullying.
“Children need to be heard to encourage change, as children can have so much influence when given the right platform and resources.”
Lena debates in her free time and represents Scotland on the national debating team. Lena was informed about the YPBC opportunity by her debate coach, who said it would be a good opportunity for her to discuss the issues she is passionate about tackling.
Her family was ‘ecstatic’ after she had been accepted onto the board and they encouraged her to ‘go for it and voice her opinions’.
Lena has made new friends while being on the board. Lena said: “I’ve made friends, as we talk about our lives while we’re working.”
The teen would recommend the board to others, and they encourage other young people to get involved with the NSPCC to make a change.
Lena said: “To those young people interested in making change, speak out, be honest and open, as this is your chance to make a change.
“I’ve already recommended the board to fellow pupils at school, as there are so many opportunities. For future members of the board, with weekly opportunities, choose the things you’re most passionate about.”
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