Secondary school students gathered for a workshop this week to compile a list of suggestions on things they would like to see improved in their community.

Holy Family Catholic School in Walthamstow hosted the ‘Life Chances’ lesson on Wednesday, July 18, as part of Waltham Forest Council’s Big Youth Conversation.

The youngsters called for more work experience, apprenticeships and part-time job opportunities, mentoring from diverse role-models in the community and a greater focus within the council on helping the younger generation succeed.

KJ Moore, a Year 9 student, suggested members of the black community who have overcome challenges to make it to the top in their career be invited into schools to inspire youngsters.

The 14-year-old who plans on pursuing a career in the media said: “The Big Youth Conversation was very helpful. We discussed many topics and it showed how we can be motivated and how we can achieve great things.”

Eighteen-year-old James Serieux, who is in Year 12, added: “I would like young people who come from small beginnings to know that they can reach the top.

“I think it’s important for people to believe they can make it.

“Maybe some people come from difficult backgrounds and even abusive homes and would find it difficult to have aspirations.

“The lesson was a great way for young people to get their stories across about their personal challenges.”

The feedback will contribute to a forthcoming report by the Waltham Forest Life Chances Commission, set up in 2017 to look at blockages preventing young people reaching their full potential.

Ten per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds in the borough have no qualifications and 25 per cent of children are in low-income families.

Kya Brown, 14, said more work experience opportunities in the borough would increase her chances of one day working in the fashion design industry.

The Year 9 student added: “I think there needs to be more careers advice in schools so students don’t just get thrown into the world when they leave school.

“Students need to be given more life skills.”

The commission is reviewing opportunities for young people including looking at early years’ education, access to information and support on careers and employment opportunities, including apprenticeships.

The final report is due to be published this autumn alongside the key actions for the council and their partners to undertake towards improving young people’s life chances in the borough.

Council leader, Clare Coghill, said: “I see the huge potential that our young people possess in Waltham Forest and we know that too much of this is wasted or unfulfilled.

“This independent commission is tasked with unearthing the things preventing our young people flourishing to fulfil their ambitions.

“We are now giving young people in both secondary and primary sectors a chance to have their say to empower young people to drive the changes they want to see, so they can have the best future possible.”