Schools from a dozen countries

This week, pupils from schools across Africa, the Caribbean, the USA and the UK have come to London.

Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Kenya, UK, the Caribbean, USA, Sudan, Ghana and Botswana… young people have come together from a dozen countries to explore the legacy of slavery.

Although the event marks the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade, the delegates are focussing on the present, expressing their concerns about slavery today, child labour, and racism.

The event climaxes with an historic debate inside the Houses of Parliament. The young people hope to influence British politicians to take a stand against modern day slavery.

Watch the debate

Views on the News

Seven pupils from Africa were guests on the BBC’s flagship programme Africa Have Your Say.

They talked to presenter Alex Jocana about the news. Several argued that the news the BBC broadcasts about Africa is too negative.

“Africa is not only about AIDS and diseases,” says Martina. “We want the BBC to show the good things about Africa.”

Alex played them a clip from the BBC World News for Children. The bulletin started with news of success in developing a malaria vaccine in Mozambique and featured the Youth Slavery Debate.

“It appeals,” says Prudence from Botswana, “because it talks about what’s in our everyday lives.”

How did they do that?

The British Council has brought delegates aged 15-18 to London to take part in the British Council Youth Slavery Debate. 

The delegates will get a chance to grill British politicians in a special ‘Question and Answer’ session which is going to be shown on BBC Parliament on Saturday 20 October 1030-1130.

The delegates were live on Africa Have Your Say.  

You can listen the BBC World News for Children here at BBC World Class.

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