Southampton’s Children’s Mayor Launches Inspiring ‘Super Skills Project’
Southampton’s Children’s Mayor, Zeyno Arabaci, has launched her ambitious Super Skills Project at an event held at Highfield Church of England Primary School.
The initiative aims to bring children and adults from different cultures and backgrounds together through the joy of shared learning. The project reflects Zeyno’s vision to create a more inclusive, creative, and united Southampton.
The event, officially opened by The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor James Baillie, and supported by Cross-Culture Hub, was filled with creativity, laughter, and opportunities to both teach and learn. Attendees took part in a range of fun and engaging activities, including making winter hats, drawing manga cartoon characters, and showing off football tricks.
Speaking at the launch, the Children’s Mayor said:
“Sometimes the best lessons don’t come from books or schools, but from each other.”
Zeyno, a pupil at Highfield CE Primary School, was announced as Southampton’s 4th Children’s Mayor at the annual Mayor Making ceremony on Wednesday 14 May 2025.
The Children’s Mayor initiative gives Year 5 pupils across the city the chance to design a project that aims to improve the lives of children in Southampton. The scheme helps young people understand how the council’s democratic system works, while also giving them the opportunity to make a positive impact in their communities.
In her winning manifesto, Zeyno outlined her idea to create a “super skills network” — a citywide programme where children and adults share talents, learn from each other, and build confidence. Free workshops in schools and libraries will invite adults to teach children skills such as languages, baking, drawing, and life skills, while children can share their own knowledge — from gaming to sports.
Each month, a “Skill Swap Day” will take place, allowing people of all ages to exchange skills.
“For example,” Zeyno explained, “a parent could teach a child gardening while a child teaches them how to play Mario Kart!”
Zeyno added that she was looking forward to representing the city’s children throughout her term:
“I am really excited that I am going to attend lots of events on behalf of the children of Southampton. My project is the Super Skills Network where I want to bring people together and teach people new skills for free. I want to put boards in schools and libraries where people can identify what skills they would like to either learn or share. At the end of my year, I want to hold a Super Skills Star Festival to celebrate all that we have achieved. I cannot wait to get started!”
The Children’s Mayor works alongside the Lord Mayor, attending high-profile events and acting as an ambassador for Southampton’s young people. The role is supported by Southampton City Council and Southampton’s Youth Council, who help select the winning candidate each year.
Councillor Baillie praised the initiative, saying the Children’s Mayor plays an important part in giving younger residents a voice:
“It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm, creativity, and passion our Children’s Mayor brings to the city each year. Projects like Zeyno’s Super Skills Network show how young people can help build stronger, more connected communities.”
For more information about the Children’s Mayor or to invite them to your event, visit the official webpage.