Jeff Dunn, a teacher from Liverpool who founded and ran the Liverpool Schools’ Parliament, passed away at the age of 69 from prostate cancer. The Parliament provides a platform for children from the Merseyside area to discuss issues that concern them and collaborate with decision-makers on political matters. It has brought about significant changes, such as the establishment of Liverpool’s subsidised travel scheme MyTicket for under-16s.
Meetings of the parliament often took place in Liverpool town hall’s council chamber, and Jeff organised visits to the European parliament and the international criminal court for underprivileged children. Raised in Wheatley Hill, County Durham, Jeff graduated from Liverpool University with a history degree. In 1976, he began his career as a primary school teacher at Croxteth School in Liverpool.
Jeff came up with the idea of the Liverpool Schools’ Parliament while working at Liverpool’s education department. He was responsible for setting up and running it and remained its director until his retirement in 2019. Jeff’s commitment to enabling young people to express themselves, become informed citizens, and make informed decisions impressed and inspired many.
Despite his contributions, Jeff’s efforts were often overlooked, and he preferred staying in the background and refrained from sharing his opinions. He also volunteered as a trustee of various charities, including the Michael Causer Foundation, which assists young LGBT people. In 2020, Jeff was recognised as a Citizen of Honour of the City of Liverpool.
Today, the children Jeff motivated have become successful and talented adults, which illustrates the depth of his accomplishment, and his legacy will live on. Jeff is survived by his sister, Glynis
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