The Quacker Ducks took on the KEY+ Challenge to make sure that children seeking asylum and refuge in Gateshead could start the new school year feeling prepared, included and ready to learn.
The group is made up of Daisy, Maggie and Benjamin and we spoke to Maggie and Benjamin about their project.
Firstly, the group recognised that for many families arriving in the UK, the cost of school supplies can create additional pressure at an already difficult time. They wanted to help remove that barrier by creating 100 fully stocked pencil cases for asylum-seeking and refugee children across Gateshead, ensuring both primary and secondary school pupils have the stationary they need for September.
Alongside purchasing stationary, the group also wanted to maximise their impact by launching a public appeal for donations. Benjamin explained, “We also decided to send an online plea out as well, we’re going to write letters to supermarkets and other stationary selling places for spare stationary they don’t sell.” By encouraging donations of both stationery and funding, the group hope to create even more fully stocked pencil cases while also reducing unnecessary waste.
Bringing the project together required careful planning and teamwork. Rather than making every decision together, the group divided responsibilities based on each person’s strengths. Maggie explained, “We delegated tasks so, we would trust whoever got the task to make the right decision. So, I was in charge of the budget, and everyone trusted me to make decisions on that.” Benjamin took responsibility for creating the group’s PowerPoint presentation, helping communicate their idea clearly and creatively.
One of the group’s favourite moments came as everything started to come together. They particularly enjoyed completing their presentation, explaining, “I think it was finishing off the PowerPoint because our PowerPoint was quite funky,” adding that “It was nice seeing it all polished.”
Managing the project’s finances proved to be one of the biggest challenges. Maggie reflected: “I think the budget was the biggest challenge because figuring out the right combinations of stuff, especially because we had £500, we were working to a specific budget, so I found that quite difficult just working around that.”
Looking back, Maggie was especially proud of successfully managing the budget, saying, “I was quite proud of my budget because that was my achievement.” The group also reflected positively on the way they worked together, recognising the strength of their teamwork throughout the project.
Through KEY+, the young people developed valuable skills that they know will help them in the future. Maggie highlighted her improved budgeting skills while Benjamin said he strengthened his presentation skills. Both agreed these are skills they will continue to use beyond the project.
Perhaps most importantly, the experience reinforced that their ideas could make a genuine difference. Maggie said: “I feel like the project will make an impact.” Reflecting on what that means to her, she added, “It feels good, I’m quite proud.”
For the group, the project has always been about much more than stationary. They explained “The project as a whole is really important because I think it comes down to dignity and making sure everyone is included and that when they go to school in September, they’re well prepared. I think the plan is to distribute pencil cases at the start of the holidays, so families aren’t stressing and worrying about having that extra financial cost.”
Through KEY+, The Quacker Ducks have transformed a simple idea into a project that will help children feel included from their very first day of the school year. By combining careful planning, teamwork and compassion, they are helping to remove barriers for local families while demonstrating how young people can create meaningful change within their communities.
About the author
The Key