As I stood before a room filled with over 500 passionate educators at the IncludEd conference, I felt a surge of emotions coursing through me. It was a moment I had been waiting for, a chance to speak out on a topic that had deeply impacted my life: school exclusion.
Reflecting on my journey as I spoke, I couldn't help but acknowledge the sense of guilt that had accompanied my accomplishments. The memory of my exclusion lingered; a reminder of the voiceless individuals still trapped in a system that had failed them. It was this guilt that fuelled my decision to volunteer at The Difference. Through this journey, I not only fulfilled a personal mission but also achieved a sense of purpose that had eluded me for years. Before I attained that purpose, I felt adrift, but once it came, I felt empowered, which helped lessen the pressure of speaking to a large and attentive crowd.
As I took to the stage, I realised that this was more than just a speech; it was an opportunity to give a voice to those who had been silenced. This was not just about me. With each word I spoke, I hoped to shed light on the urgent need for change within our education system.
Delivering the speech was a transformative experience, as it marked a pivotal moment in my journey of self-discovery and advocacy. Not only did I have the privilege of sharing my story, but I also overcame my fear of public speaking—which I used to think was impossible.
One of the highlights of the conference apart from the opportunity to speak was running a session with the Children's Society on the impact of behavioural policies in schools. It was a powerful moment of new and fresh faces meeting for the first time, engaging with each other through collaboration and dialogue, as we delved into the intricacies of exclusionary practices and brainstormed solutions for creating more inclusive learning environments.
I look back on that day and feel entirely fulfilled. Not only that, but I feel so thankful for the educators who took the time out of their weekends to listen to our stories and join our workshops. My journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, losses and wins, but above all, it has been fueled by a determination to make a difference. At IncludEd 2024, I truly feel that I, along with the conference attendees, helped make a difference towards the way we approach and talk about exclusion.
As I continue on this path, I am committed to continue amplifying the voices of children who have been marginalised and advocating for a more inclusive education system. If you are reading this and you feel the same, please know that together, we can break the silence and build a brighter future for all students.