Students from Marches Academy Trust Lead the Charge in Community Engagement and Cultural Identity at ONEVoice Event
Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury recently played host to an inspiring gathering of 100 students from 10 schools across the Marches Academy Trust, united under the theme of “ONEVoice – Belonging in the World.” The event brought together students, educators, and business leaders to explore how young people can take a proactive role in their communities, celebrating both cultural identity and community involvement.
This year’s programme, which spans the entire academic year, began with a day full of creativity, thought-provoking workshops, and inspirational keynote speeches. The event’s message was clear: young people have the power to shape their communities and, in turn, define their own identities.
A Platform for Empowerment
Niki McGarvey, who leads the Personal Development and Student Voice initiative at Marches Academy Trust, emphasised the importance of giving students a voice. She stated, “ONEVoice is about providing a platform for young people to develop meaningful projects. These projects not only impact their schools but also the broader community. It was truly inspiring to witness the ambition and creativity these students brought to the table.”
The day focused on two main themes: cultural identity and community involvement. The students engaged in interactive workshops designed to encourage them to think deeply about their place in the world and their responsibility to their communities.
Inspiring Guest Speakers
The event featured two keynote speakers – Heather Noble from SALT Solutions and Ruth Martin, owner of Martin & Jones Marketing Consultancy and Trustee of the Shropshire Community Foundation. Both brought a wealth of experience and provided critical insights into how students can make a difference. McGarvey reflected on their contributions, stating, “Both Heather and Ruth seamlessly connected their areas of expertise, weaving a beautiful fabric of ideas that left students motivated and eager to make a difference.”
Martin highlighted the ripple effect of community engagement, noting, “What one person does can ripple out to affect everyone around them. The students really connected with that message, and their passion for making a difference was palpable.”
Heather Noble, speaking on cultural identity, encouraged students to find their place within their communities. “Whether you have a narrow range of knowledge or big, blue-sky ideas, we need it all,” she said. Her session sparked countless hands raised, as students eagerly shared their thoughts on how they fit into their world.
Business and Community Collaboration
Local businesses also participated in the event, with representatives from Coforge, Agrii, IO and Shropshire Chamber of Commerce attending and offering their support. Pete Jones, recently retired agronomist from Agrii, shared his enthusiasm about the students’ environmental consciousness: “I was truly inspired by the young people today. They were not only asking deep, thoughtful questions about sustainability and environmental issues but also proposing creative solutions that show they’re already thinking ahead about how they can contribute to solving global problems.”
Simon Pearson, Vice President of Transformation Services at Coforge, was also deeply impressed by the students’ forward-thinking approach: “I’ve been blown away by their ideas, but more than that, by how they’re thinking about implementation. These are the future leaders we want in our company, and today, they’ve shown they’re ready for the challenge.”
Ruth Martin echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of collaboration between businesses and schools. “These young people are our future workforce. By engaging with them early, businesses can help nurture the skills and creativity needed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.”
A Year of Development and Growth
The students will now take their initial ideas back to their schools, where they will develop them into full-fledged projects over the next year. Through a series of online meetings and workshops, they will receive ongoing support from specialists like Noble and Martin. In July 2025, the students will showcase the results of their hard work.
Reflecting on the day, Andrew Goff, Managing Director of Interactive Opportunities (IO), praised the students’ enthusiasm and creativity. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to support the ONEVoice programme this year. These students are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they’re already making an impact today.”
Looking Ahead
The ONEVoice initiative is more than just a programme—it is a testament to the power of student voice and the importance of community. McGarvey is optimistic about the future, saying, “This is just the beginning. Over the next year, we’ll see these students’ ideas blossom into projects that will benefit not only their schools but their entire communities.”
For local businesses and schools, the message is clear: by working together, they can foster a generation of students who are not only academically prepared but socially aware and deeply connected to their communities.
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