American organisation gives one-off inspirational talk to pupils at Copland Community School

Students in Wembley were treated to an inspirational talk from a renowned American organisation which encourages young people to use their right to vote.

Rock the Vote, which has been inspiring young people to use their right to vote for 21-years visited Copland Community School, in Cecil Avenue, one of only two schools nationwide to discuss the importance of voting.

The group, which has had celebrity endorsement from groups including Foo Fighters, recently encouraged 1.2m young people in the USA to vote in the recent presidential election which saw Barrack Obama retain his position as president.

Phil Allman, head of politics at the school told the Times they brought an “incredibly important” message.

He said: “They do some fantastic work and were so engaged with the students, we were honoured to welcome them here.” The talk to around 140 year 11, 12 and 13 students, aged 16-18, was the only visit Rock the Vote made to schools in London.

The students also listened to Simon Wooley, the director of Operation Black Vote, who then offered 10 internships at their organisation for Copland students.

Operation Black Vote is an organisation which aims to enable African British people to claim their places in European politics.

Mr Allman added: “The students are just approaching the age when you make the decision whether or not you vote so it was really important to hear what they had to say.

“They are not tied to a political party which helps with their message.

“The pupils were great and asked some really insightful and inquisitive questions.”