Uni provides beacon of hope to marginalised youngsters across UK
Tue, 15 Nov 2016 12:38:00 GMT
Sir Al Aynsley-Green received an Honorary Doctorate of the University for services to children’s healthcare and welfare
HUDDERSFIELD and its university could provide a “beacon of hope” to marginalised children and young people around the country, according to a professor who is a leading expert in the field.
Sir Al Aynsley-Green is an eminent clinician in children’s health and well-being whose many distinctions include the Presidency of the British Medical Association. Also, between 2005 and 2010, he was Children’s Commissioner for England.
Now he has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Huddersfield, and when he gave his acceptance speech he told the audience of newly-graduated students and their families how the town and district had played a big part in developing his expertise and insights.
“Huddersfield and Kirklees have a very special place in my professional life, because 11 years ago I was appointed the first Children’s Commissioner, to speak for the needs of the 11 million children of England. To do that, I had to get out of my office,” he said.
Sir Al chose Huddersfield as the first research destination for what termed a “listening tour”.
“I spent three days finding out what it’s like to be young here today, speaking to countless children and young people,” said Sir Al, who described how he then replicated the formula all over the country.
Sir Al has also developed a close relationship with the University’s School of Education and Professional Development, contributing to its annual Finding a Voice Conference. He told the awards ceremony audience at St Paul’s Hall how impressed he had been by the interest taken in the subject by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Cryan, who responded by creating a scholarship for research that would explore the voices of the young.
“I genuinely feel that Huddersfield, with its tradition of social enterprise, has an outstanding opportunity to be a beacon of hope for many children and young people today,” said Sir Al, who also urged new graduates to demonstrate courage, compassion and commitment in their careers.
Before the honorary doctorate was bestowed by Professor Cryan, an oration to Sir Al was delivered by Janet Fink, who is the University’s Professor of Childhood and Personal Relationships.
“At the core of all his work is profound concern for children’s rights and a deeply felt commitment to ensuring children’s voices are heard and their best interests addressed,” said Professor Fink.
“From the very beginning of his work as Children’s Commissioner, Sir Al was determined to find new ways of engaging with children and young people, especially those who were vulnerable and voiceless.
“He is also a much valued friend and colleague at our University and has become an inspiration to our students.”
Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green received his honorary award for services to children’s healthcare and welfare.
