Students Lead the Charge Against Homelessness Through Youth Social Action Project
Dudley College learners collect over 110kg of donations and challenge local MP in powerful community initiative.
A group of passionate ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students are making waves in their town after launching a Youth Social Action (YSA) project focused on tackling homelessness—and their efforts have already delivered remarkable results.
Launched just after the Christmas break, the initiative was designed to embed YSA directly into the curriculum. The aim was to make it inclusive and empowering, particularly for ESOL learners, helping them to integrate into society while addressing a real-world issue close to their hearts.
The students quickly identified homelessness as a key issue affecting their local community. What began as a simple idea to support the homeless by collecting donations soon evolved into a far-reaching campaign for change. They started by raising money and collecting items for a local food bank, but their ambitions soon grew.
In a bold move, the students organised an event called "Keeping Power to Account", inviting their local MP to engage in an open dialogue. Between 20 and 30 students attended, asking challenging and thoughtful questions. For many, it was their first time speaking publicly—but their confidence soared as they realised the power of their voices.
Following the event, the students launched a highly successful food drive. In total, they collected 62 kilograms of food and 51.7 kilograms of non-food items, along with raising over £200 to create care packages for the homeless. Their dedication was formally recognised by the local food bank, who awarded them a certificate of thanks and invited them to visit their warehouse—giving the students a firsthand look at the impact of their work.
What truly stands out is the personal transformation the students experienced. Many began the project unsure of their ability to contribute. But over time, they stepped up to lead, even volunteering to go classroom to classroom requesting donations—an act that would have seemed unimaginable to some just weeks earlier.
Now, the students are planning a community event in collaboration with a local soup kitchen, expanding their outreach and deepening their impact. Beyond homelessness, several of the learners have also become more engaged in broader college life, participating in Student Union events such as the Football Club, the Iftar celebration, and an Anti-Racism initiative.
The project is ongoing, but its legacy is already clear. It’s not just about donations or events—it’s about empowerment, voice, and community change.
Given the success and impact of the initiative, educators are hopeful that Youth Social Action will become a formal part of the curriculum rather than just an extracurricular enrichment opportunity.
As one organizer reflected, “It has been remarkable not only to see the growth of the project but to witness the personal growth of the students themselves. Their voices are powerful—and they’re using them to make a real difference.
