During the academic year 2017-18 Challenge Teams visited 39 schools and three youth groups up and down the country, speaking to a further 7,400 young people ….
A highlight this year was an invitation to visit schools in Malta where we visited nine schools and one youth group there. We spoke to almost 750 pupils there.
The total number of students in the UK who have heard a presentation since 2004/05 has now reached over 154,000. 84 presenters have been trained, and 758 school visits made to date.
Reaching schools spread far and wide would not be possible without the help of generous and willing supporters up and down the country. A total of six drivers and eight kind hosts helped us this year and we were grateful for lovely hospitality at two hostels and three church halls.
Again this year we received excellent responses from staff and pupils.
Pupils aged 14 wrote:
• No-one has to be peer pressured into having sex, and should know that it is their choice to have it or not and that no-one can change that.
• Challenge Team explained the reasons clearly, which makes students understand a lot more. Good presentation. Entertaining and funny.
• Because everyone deserves a chance to know that ‘no’ is an answer and it’s fine to say ‘no’.
• It is very educational and I think that the point/reasons for the presentations should be spread. Well done for a fabulous presentation and I hope that you will do well in the future.
Pupils in Malta, aged 15, wrote:
• It was a life-changing experience that we should all take action about ..
I really liked the presentation.
• I think it is a topic more people of our age need to know. It was very interesting and gave me hope for future love.
• A presentation that will surely stay in my mind, and hopefully others’ …..
• I personally felt this presentation was a real eye-opener. Great talk. Top.
• It does make sense and it is suitable for everyone. Excellent marks for the presentation.
A teacher at a school in Essex we visited in Essex recently, walked straight to the Team after the presentation and told them that this was the best presentation she had seen in 23 years. Another teacher at the same school praised us for the variety of imaginative methods we used to keep the students attentive and engaged throughout. The Headmaster was also present and very appreciative.
