A GROUP of 21 young people were ordained as British Citizens in Coventry City Council’s chamber last Wednesday.
The second ever Children’s Citizenship Ceremony was attended by over 50 people including eight families to celebrate the youngsters becoming British Citizens.
Coventry young poet laureate Hawwa Hussain performed one of her poems at the ceremony which highlighted a sense of community spirit and the start of a new chapter in the lives of those newly ordained.
Coventry Lord Mayor Coun Kevin Maton delivered a welcoming speech to the newly ordained as well as presenting gifts and certificates.
The council hosted the UK’s first ever Children’s Citizenship Ceremony last October, which recognised the importance of British Citizenship to children and young people from various parts of the world.
A study conducted by the University of Wolverhampton estimated around 330,000 undocumented children and young people live in the UK.
It is also believed that half of these undocumented children were born here and most have been educated in the UK and speak English as their main language.
These children lack the security provided by British citizenship or secure immigration status.
While there is an official ceremony to mark becoming a British Citizen for adults there currently isn’t one for children.
The council’s cabinet member for housing and communities, Coun David Welsh, said: “To see so many young people becoming British Citizens, celebrating such a momentous occasion in theirs and their family’s lives is heart-warming and incredible to see.
“Here at Coventry City Council, one of our main priorities is to ensure that all those who arrive in our fantastic city and our society, feel like an integral part of our community.
“Coventry’s diversity and welcoming nature as a city of peace and reconciliation are well-documented and it is something we are proud to uphold.
“I want to wish our newly ordained British citizens the very best for the rest of their lives and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact they will have upon our community.”
