Sixth form students across North Staffordshire are to benefit from projects exploring democracy after Partners in Creative Learning (PiCL) were awarded funding from the Women’s Vote Centenary Grant Scheme.
The £35,000 grant was announced today by the Women’s Vote Centenary Grant Scheme, a £1.5 million Government fund that supports local and community groups across England in celebrating the centenary of women gaining the right to vote.
Erica Love, Director of Stoke-on-Trent based PiCL said: “This funding will encourage three groups of 16 to 18-year-old students to explore politics, democracy and civic life.
“We will work with sixth form groups in schools and colleges to organise a series of workshops allowing students to explore how government systems work and how to make your voice heard to support local, regional and national arenas. There are plans to organise an event where the students will meet female politicians and other women who have worked to make a difference to their communities in Staffordshire.
“The Women’s Vote project is designed to inspire young women to raise their voices and get involved in the local political arena and, who knows, it may inspire a future MP or council leader.”
An arts and education programme, PiCL design and deliver creative learning projects in schools, colleges and community spaces using innovative and interactive experiences to inspire people to learn new skills and to get involved in creating strong communities.
The Women’s Vote Centenary Grant Scheme aims to fund projects that increase the understanding of, and engagement with, democracy, and encourage women to participate in public life. They are sponsoring 30 large projects, with grants of between £2,000 and £125,000, and 150 smaller grassroots projects and events to celebrate the centenary of women gaining the vote.
To find out more about PiCL, please go online to www.picl.uk.com. Email [email protected]

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