On Saturday 29 March 1000 members of Girlguiding in the North East and Yorkshire celebrated 200 years of the modern railway at Hopetown museum in Darlington. In partnership with Railway 200 a railway challenge badge has been launched which encourages girls to learn more about all aspects of the railway, from safety, engineering, history to thinking about what the railway will look like in the future.
At Hopetown girls and young women aged 4-18 took part in railway themed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activity sessions, where they learned about the engineering and technology used on the railway.
Scarlett, Brownie aged 8 said: “I liked finding out how trains work and seeing them up close”
Isla, Ranger, aged 15 said: “I really enjoy STEM subjects but sometimes I’m put off from learning because people think STEM is for boys. Being able to learn about STEM at Rangers means I can do it in a safe, girl only space and not be worried about other people’s opinions”
Girlguiding North East England have been pleased to work with the rail industry to promote STEM learning for girls, from research carried out by Girlguiding in the Girls attitudes survey, we know experiences of sexism are making girls worry about their future. A quarter of 11-21-year-olds say sexism makes them feel like they won’t achieve what they want to. Providing opportunities for girls to have access to male dominated industries and areas of learning is key to creating a more equal future for young people in the UK.
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “The launch of this special Railway 200 challenge badge is a fantastic contribution to the 200e anniversary celebrations of a British invention that changed the world.
The challenge – for Rangers, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows – covers the past, present and future of the railways with a series of imaginative questions and activities. In turn, one of our challenges, as an anniversary campaign, is to encourage more young people to learn about the railway and consider a career in rail. This is a great opportunity to do just that.”
With almost 80,000 volunteers, Girlguiding has one of the largest volunteer networks in the UK, ranging from unit helpers and leaders running weekly meetings, to county commissioners and Girlguiding’s most senior volunteers – the chief guide and her team.
There are lots of fun and flexible ways to volunteer with Girlguiding, whether it’s through supporting girls directly in a unit or helping behind the scenes. And it’s not just adults who can volunteer with Girlguiding, there are several young volunteer opportunities available for girls as young as fourteen, including young leader and peer educator roles.
For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding, the UK’s largest youth organisation dedicated completely to girls, visit girlguiding.org.uk.