The fourth Children’s Mayor of Southampton, Zeyno Arabaci, has successfully concluded her year-long term by celebrating the achievements of her Super Skills project. The initiative, which launched at Highfield Church of England Primary School, focused on bringing together residents of all ages and backgrounds to share a variety of practical talents through free workshops held in schools and libraries.
Participants in the project exchanged a wide range of abilities, including football tricks, manga cartoon drawing, sewing, bike maintenance, and origami. Supported by the Cross-Culture Hub, the programme aimed to foster community connections by encouraging intergenerational learning across the city. To mark the end of the project, a celebration was held in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour on 30 April 2026, where awards were presented to those who took part.
Lord Mayor James Baillie, who attended the event, praised the work completed by Zeyno during her term. Reflecting on the initiative, Zeyno said she was happy that people enjoyed the project and noted that her goal was to bring people of all ages together to learn new skills.
The role of Children’s Mayor, which involves working with Southampton City Council and the Southampton Youth Council, gives primary school pupils an inside look at how local government operates. The next Children’s Mayor will be welcomed at the O2 Guildhall Southampton during the annual Mayor Making ceremony on 20 May 2026.
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