‘Big Ideas’ competition winners meet David Blunkett

Three young winners of a Send My Friend competition were given a private tour of the Houses of Parliament and an exclusive meeting with legendary politician David Blunkett.

Elena Facchini, Solomon Hodson and Alex Golding – all from St. Cedds school in Chelmsford, Essex – won the ‘Big Ideas’ competition in December, which called for inspirational ideas for the 2015 Send My Friend campaign. As winners, they were invited to spend the day at the Houses of Parliament by David Blunkett MP, the former Home Secretary who has been a leading politician for almost thirty years – despite being blind since birth.

“It was an excellent day,” said Alex. “We asked David Blunkett about the Millennium Development Goals, about his favourite achievements and what he does in his current job. He answered all our questions and then let us stroke his guide dog Cosby!”

The pupils won the competition for their idea of using workmen’s signs to demand that children go to school rather than be forced to work. Elena explained that people could be encouraged to design their own workmen road signs, which point to the correct road we should take to achieve education for all. Their winning effort, and other entries, can be seen here.