Role models inspire young people to aspire
By Anne Longfield
Children & Young People Now
23 April 2008
Many young people feel that the world of work is a long way away. It's a tough challenge to get them to visualise what a successful career, tuned to their interests and talents, might look like. That is why it is essential they are provided with inspirational influences to raise aspirations and help them realise the opportunities available.
Role models have a duty to raise aspirations among teenagers who might otherwise have limited access to good jobs. Social realities underline the need to widen access to role models for young people. For example, many ethnic minorities are radically under-represented in...