John Roan Citizen School Build their Power

London Citizens' Schools work in alliance with other organisations. In order to gain support and build their power, students from John Roan School in Greenwich have been presenting their idea to improve Westcombe Park Station to local primary schools who are also members of London Citizens in their borough.



The team at John Roan identified Westcombe Park Station as a problem when they conducted their local listening campaign. Poor lighting and a station underpass that needs tidying up make the majority of people who use the station feel unsafe. Primary school students at Halstow and St Alphege's listened to ideas for change and then contributed their views and ideas for improvements to the proposals. All students were keen to take part in designing a new underpass wall design and suggested a competition be held that involves all the local schools.

Students and staff gave unanimous support for the idea for change and will now negotiate with John Roan when they meet with South Eastern to put their demands forward.

Ella and Christina from John Roan acted as representatives for the team during the day and said
"We enjoyed presenting to and involving other students. On our own we wouldn't be able to make this change but we're building positive power and getting stronger."

Next stop towards change: preparing for the negotiation with other members of the alliance, supported by their dedicated borough organiser, Sebastien Chapleau.