Friday 25-10-2019 - 13:06

Last night saw the inaugural Education Council meeting at The Union, where 58 course reps met to discuss the issues currently being faced by students at Manchester Met and elect the council members going forward.  

The people elected to the Education Council were: 
Chair: Fahad Quarishi 
Arts and Humanities: Chloe Renshaw and Michaela Joyce Bianan 
Business and Law: Nicola Lei and Zara-Leyla Jabbeen 
HPSC: Madeehah Lihan-Israeel and Tomasz Dawid Bies 
Science and Engineering: Virag Marian and Qasim Kinai 
Education: Taylor Robertson and Aofie Waide

The main reoccurring issues that students are facing, as outlined by the attendees, are: loneliness, language barriers, isolation, cost of living, fees, accessibility and timetabling. The council hopes to work together to focus on these issues. 

The evening also featured an introduction to The Union’s decolonisation work from Azeem Lateef, the BAME Ambassador Scheme coordinator, and discussion around how the council will fit into The Union’s decision making. 

The event was considered an overwhelming success, with many excited about the potential future of the Education Council. Education Officer, Lucy, commented: "Thank you to everyone that came to council and shared their knowledge, experience expertise and bravery. I was so lucky to be able to hear from people who are hopeful about change, and took up a stage to speak for themselves and represent the views of others who are often underrepresented. We have work to do to ensure council is a truly representative space, and I encourage everyone to help us build that. Our council is there to be challenged, and in turn to challenge the university and wider oppressions that exist for so many. Thank you again to everyone who was involved, it was a truly exciting experience and would not have been what it was without you. For those who could not make it, please let us know how the council can work for you. My email is an easy way to contact s.u.education@mmu.ac.uk"

Wellbeing Officer, Andy noted: “It’s always great when students are so passionate about the change they want to make within education, and we’re excited to have created a space and a platform where students can make change.”