My name is Sarah, and I am a Year 12 student at Sperrin Integrated College. I completed my work experience with the Centre for Children’s Rights, an opportunity I chose because of my growing passion for children’s advocacy.

Through my involvement with the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) and Child Rights Connect, I have become increasingly interested in children’s rights and participation. This experience gave me the chance to see how advocacy work is carried out in practice within a university setting.

During my time at the Centre, I was treated with great care and respect by all the staff I worked with. Everyone I met was welcoming and supportive, making the experience both enjoyable and informative.

The activities and opportunities provided gave me a valuable insight into university life and the important work carried out by the Centre for Children’s Rights. It also strengthened my interest in studying at Queen’s School of Social Sciences in the future.

I would highly recommend completing work experience at the Centre. It is an inclusive and supportive environment that truly reflects the principle:
“Nothing about us without us.”