Inspiring Change: Reflections on The Big Ambition and Youth Empowerment

The launch of The Big Ambition in Parliament marked a pivotal moment for young people in England. Spearheaded by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, the report amplifies the voices of thousands of children, revealing their frustrations, hopes, and practical solutions for creating a better future. As a Youth Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of being at the heart of this initiative a role that has been as humbling as it is inspiring.

Why The Big Ambition Matters

The findings of The Big Ambition highlight a stark reality: only one in five children in England believe that their views are important to the adults who make decisions about their lives. As a 17-year-old girl shared, “The government should listen to children’s ideas more... children should be able to change the world too.”

This generation is brimming with ideas, optimism, and a desire to make their communities safer, their schools more enriching, and their futures brighter. Yet, they feel disempowered. This gap between aspiration and influence is what The Big Ambition seeks to bridge, proposing 33 concrete actions to ensure every child feels heard, supported, and equipped to thrive.

My Role in The Big Ambition

Over the past four months as a Youth Ambassador, I’ve been involved in shaping and amplifying this mission. Leading up to the launch, I participated in roundtables on Education and Employment, where I engaged with industry experts, policymakers, and decision-makers.

During the Education Roundtable, I shared my experiences and emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the tools to navigate their futures. We discussed promoting all pathways: university, apprenticeships, and vocational training—so young people can make informed decisions and succeed in whatever they choose.

At the Jobs & Skills Roundtable, I voiced my aspirations for young people to have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for the workforce. We talked about the need for life skills, career education, and creating opportunities that match the aspirations of young people today.

The Launch in Parliament

The launch itself was a celebration of youth their resilience, their ideas, and their potential. Standing in Parliament alongside Dame Rachel de Souza and my fellow Youth Ambassadors, I felt immense pride as we unveiled the 33 ambitions born from the voices of children across England.

The day wasn’t just about sharing findings; it was about driving action. It was a powerful reminder that when young people are given a platform, they can inspire meaningful change.

Carrying the Big Ambition Forward

Since the launch, my work as a Youth Ambassador has continued. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with ministers, attending parliamentary events, and addressing conferences like the Fair Education Alliance Youth Summit and the Confederation of School Trusts Conference. Each opportunity reinforces my belief that young people’s voices must shape the policies that affect their lives.

The Path Ahead

The Big Ambition is more than a report, it’s a call to action. It challenges policymakers, educators, and communities to reimagine how they engage with young people. Whether it’s raising the age of criminal responsibility, ensuring timely support for children with special educational needs, or creating accessible youth activities, these ambitions are achievable but only if we work together.

As a Youth Ambassador, I’m committed to championing these changes. Every child deserves to feel valued, safe, and optimistic about their future. Let’s ensure their voices are not just heard but acted upon.

To quote an 11-year-old girl from the report: “Children shouldn’t have to pass their idea to an adult to make it happen. Children should be able to change the world too.”

The Big Ambition has shown us the power of listening to young people. Now it’s time to act.