In November, I attended the GFTU’s Young Member’s Development Weekend, which is an opportunity for young members of the union to get together and develop essential skills.
I was exposed to many different sides of union work throughout the weekend, including negotiations, politics, media, human rights work, and climate change. I also got to hear first-hand experiences from union workers who recently stood on the picket line, and a British unionist who assisted the South African, African National Congress in fighting to end Apartheid.
During the weekend, we heard from a GFTU member who was selected to travel to Kurdistan and learn about the persecution Kurdish people are facing. When the opportunity arose to put ourselves forward for a trip that the GFTU would be taking to Denmark in 2023, I nominated myself and was fortunate enough to be selected. This year, I will travel to Denmark with the GFTU to learn about Danish trade unions and experience Danish culture.
Moreover, the weekend reaffirmed my belief that it is important for pharmacy students to have a voice in the profession. We are the future of pharmacy and have the power to shape the profession, and have a collective voice to raise concerns
Being a PDA student member
The PDA is not only there to protect pharmacists but also offer support and advice to pharmacy students and trainees. It is important to become a PDA member because you never know when one day you may need their help.
Being a PDA Student Representative awards you many experiences and opportunities. I would not be going to Denmark for free if it wasn’t for this role. The PDA is a very supportive association, and the student rep role is very flexible, which gives you the ability to develop it in a way that best serves your development needs and the students you represent.
Students can get involved with the PDA by becoming a PDA Student Rep or through their multiple Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Networks, such as the PDA LGBT+ Network and the PDA BAME Network. You can also attend free PDA webinars and student training courses through PDA Education.
By Noni Anigbo, 3rd year PDA Student Rep, Keele University
Learn more
- PDA attends GFTU Young Members Development Weekend
- PDA Member Networks
- PDA Students
- PDA Student Reps
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.