Hackney Youth Parliament - Young Hackney

Hackney Youth ParliamentElections 2012Candidate Manifesto BookletYour Hackney, Your Future, Your RightFeel the change, Make it happen

Message from Hackney Youth Parliament 2010-2012Hackney Youth Parliament would like to tell you aboutsome of the work we’ve been doing over the last twoyears in our role as representatives of young people inborough.Although two years sounds like a long time, when youbecome part of a team, the time flies by, and it’s allbeen fun. At first we were all very shy but very excitedabout starting this journey together. We all camefrom different backgrounds but came together for thegood of the youth of Hackney.We each were elected to represent one of the fourneighbourhoods in Hackney; North East, Shoreditch,Homerton or Stoke Newington but we all had acommon goal. We’ve thrived in this role and done ourbest to be involved in youth politics and democracy asevery decision made by the council effects all of us inone way or another, and it is important that we havea say in the decisions that affect our lives.Our first aim was to get to know each other andselect our new Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary andCommunication Officers – and where better to dothis than the Kingswood Residential Centre. A littlebit of team-building; archery, go-karting, climbingand jumping off towers, alongside debating andcoming up with ideas for our yearly conference andcampaigns. It was a great way for everyone to unwindand feel relaxed with each other whilst makingproductive choices about the future direction ofthe Parliament.Once back in Hackney we began preparations forour consultations with young people. We carried outwide-reaching consultations and were able to drawout the top concerns of local young people. Our firstcampaign was called Exam Stress. This focused onstudents in year 10 and 11 who were soon to sittheir GCSE examinations. We went to many differentschools, from Mossbourne Community Academyto Cardinal Pole to Haggerston and gave advice tostudents about relaxation techniques to help calmthemselves down in the lead up to exams, with helpfulexam revision tips too.4

Our next project was Police Communications.This involved us holding a gaming event at theOne Movement Festival in Clissold Park. This allowedyoung people and the police to come together andcompete against other teams to try and help breakdown barriers between young people and the police.This successful event helped improve communicationsand understanding between the police and youngpeople, removing some of the tensions that canexist and paving the way for a more co-operativerelationship.Hackney Youth Parliament was also given theopportunity to join the council’s Children and YoungPeople’s Scrutiny Group. From here we were ableto get involved in their project to help young carersin Hackney.This was a fantastic initiative, supporting the effortsof a local project keen to make a big difference tothe lives of young people and to increase awarenessacross the community about the daily challengesyoung carers face.We also played a role in promoting the biggest eventthat took place during our term in office – the London2012 Olympic Games. We were given exclusive accessto venues and events as a reward for our effortsover the past two years as ambassadors for youthparticipation in the borough.Now it’s your turn to select a team of representativesfor HYP 2012. Read the candidates’ profiles andvote for those you deem most fit for the job…andwho knows, in two years’ time you might be equallyinspired to put yourself forward as a candidate forHackney Youth Parliament.To all the candidates, good luck and should you getelected, we hope you have a successful two yearsin office.5

CandidateManifestos:

Emanuel AlongeHomertonI want to bring a better future for the youngpeople of Hackney who are stereotyped asa negative influence on others and to showothers there is always a bright future for thosewho try hard and persist.I want to be a good role model for others.For the past year I have been a responsible,trustworthy and hard working member of mySchool Council. I also hope to get re-electedas House Captain this year.I would like the young people of Hackney tohave the ambition to become what they seekto be.I would like education to be more important inthe lives of young people in the community.I love my borough and want to make as manyother people as possible feel the same way.I would like the young peopleof Hackney to have theambition to become whatthey seek to be.7

Javani BrownHomertonMany people have the wrong view ofHackney. They see Hackney as a bad placewhen it’s not, it is a multicultural place witha lot of talented young people. I am here torepresent you, to give you a voice.I plan to do that by taking the views ofyoung people in Hackney and using myplatform to speak to MPs and Councillorsabout what you want.I am a very determined person, and I believeI can use my persistence to chase up looseends for you, the young people of Hackney.By voting me in, you are using me to be yourvoice to the Council. You are using me torepresent your views. You are using me to bethe voice of you.They see Hackney as a badplace when it’s not - it is amulticultural place with a lotof talented young people.8

Shaniah BurnsHomertonHello, my name is Shaniah Burns, I am 13years old and I’m currently studying at theCity Academy.As a Member of the Youth Parliament, thereare many things I would like to do andachieve. One thing I dream of doingis tackling major issues in society such assexism, racism, bullying and homophobia.I’m completely aware all these issues affecteach and every one of us at least one point inour lives. I’m planning on tackling these issuesby setting up campaigns and programmes inschools and youth clubs.I believe I should be elected because I amarticulate, hard-working, determined and arespectful individual.I promise to do everything within my powerto try my best to make Hackney a better placefor you, me and everyone else! Just rememberit’s not me that matters, it’s you...One thing I dream of doingis tackling major issuesin society such as sexism,racism, bullying andhomophobia.9

Michael EkehHomertonI want to be a member of Hackney YouthParliament because I want to make a changein my community and build a betterenvironment for young people in my borough.The skills and attributes I bring to the job are:• Negotiation skills• Communication skills• Entrepreneurial skills• Good inter-personal skills• Good public-speaking skills.I possess the ability to use my experiences tohelp other young people creatively.I would hope for there to be an increase inthe number of youth clubs in the local areasof Hackney and also more engagement andactivities to keep young people off the streets.And for young people to feel comfortable indifferent areas of Hackney.I would hope for there tobe an increase in the numberof youth clubs in the localareas of Hackney.10

Ferrel FrancoisHomertonI want to show other young people they areworth more than they think and help preventyoung people from getting involved in crime.I have been through things other youngpeople may be going through, so I can relateand have a good understanding.This allows me to help explain why doing theright thing is key to a good future. Offendingisn’t the way forward: only with educationcan you move on to better and bigger things.I am positive, reliable, hard working,motivated, independent, a team player andvery fair. I conduct myself in an organisedmanner and can work under pressure.I want to help more young people on the rightpath in life and to help stop young offendersfrom re-offending. I will use my experienceto help others to focus, plan and work hard inpreparation for adulthood.I want to show other youngpeople they are worth morethan they think and helpprevent young people fromgetting involved in crime.11

Kenya McKenzieHomertonI want to be the one who gives young peoplein this colourful, multicultural and talentedborough a voice – and a chance to have acommunity where the youth have an activerole in deciding what happens to them.I will showcase the amazingly talented youththrough music, sport, educational clubs andworkshops. There are a lot of problems andI want us to figure out a way to fix thesetogether. With your help, I think we couldfind solutions.I’m not going to make false promises thatI can’t keep, so all I promise is to dedicatemy time and effort to getting your opinionacross and try to make a change.I am a young person from Hackney with anidea – that my home town could be regardedas one of the greatest areas in London. Doyou think we could make this happen?Well with your vote, your opinions and mywork, we could.I am a young person fromHackney with an idea -that my home town couldbe regarded as one of thegreatest areas in London.12

Kennedy NwosuHomertonI feel a sense of responsibility to the youthsof Hackney. I want to do my best to makesure their voices are being heard in acommunity where youths are increasinglyfeeling powerless against the world.I am reliable, honest, self-motivated andenthusiastic. If elected I will also try to useteam-work to ensure projects and meetingsrun smoothly and I will ensure the Olympicvalues are upheld.I will seek out the decision-makers, and makesure they hear young people’s views andgrievances. I promise to tackle the toughissues such as EMA and knife crime.For all these reasons I ask the youth ofHackney to vote for me, because:• With one vote you can make a difference.• With one vote you can institute a change.Together we will leave the legacy of ageneration because together, great thingshappen.I feel a sense ofresponsibility to theyouths of Hackney.13

Ryanna RyanHomertonI am keen to represent my community ina bigger way than just through my school.I believe in my borough as a positive placeto live. I hope I will bring greater positiverecognition for young people in Hackney.I aim to help other members of theParliament develop and they could help medo the same.I want to make decisions that will be relevantto the young people of Hackney.I am extremely organised, reliable, easy totalk to, hard working, trustworthy. I am alsoan excellent communicator as I regularlylisten to people and seek to resolve theirproblems.I wish to see a better Hackney and in orderto achieve this I would take in ideas fromall of the young people in my local areaand put them forward to Hackney YouthParliament. I hope to see the importanceof education placed higher, and see morepeople taking part in positive things.I hope to see the importanceof education placed higher,and see more people takingpart in positive things.14

Teswane StephenHomertonI want to be a member of Hackney YouthParliament because I want to representother young people in Hackney and improveour community.I am a reliable person with good timemanagementskills. I have excellentinterpersonal skills and love a challenge.I have developed team-work skills from mytime at college and being part of a theatrecompany. I was also captain of a successfulfootball team.I personally have benefited from participationin a range of positive activities such asfootball, theatre and media as well asengaging in and enjoying my education.This has helped me develop a sense ofachievement and I want to support otheryoung people in Hackney to have a senseof self-belief. I would like to work with thecouncil to improve participation levels in theamazing activities that are on offer.I would like to work withthe council to improveparticipation levels inthe amazing activitiesthat are on offer.15

CandidateManifestos:

Florence AdeoyeNorth EastAs a Hackney Youth Parliament member I willstrive to increase opportunities for the youthof Hackney, through widening their vision.Many people do not know about theopportunities they have, simply because theyhaven’t seen anything better. Through seeingbigger things, ANYONE regardless of age,race or background will be able to have aGREAT future.I endeavour to do this by:• Opening the vision of Hackney’s youth– Giving opportunities to see more placesand examples of what can be possible foryoung people in Hackney.• Listening to Hackney’s youth – This can bedone through workshops and throughfinding ways to hear every young person’sview of how they think these opportunitiescan happen.• Giving the right tools to Hackney’s youth– Having workshops and having establishedpersons to pass on skills and know-how.If you can CONCEIVE and BELIEVE,you can ACHIEVE.I will strive to increaseopportunities for the youthof Hackney, throughwidening their vision.17

Anna-Marie Descartes-ThomasNorth EastI want to be a member of Hackney YouthParliament because I want to have regularinvolvement in my local democratic process.As a resident of Hackney and a politicsstudent, I want to use my knowledge tofeed into the Parliament, which hopefullywill benefit the borough.Hackney is great and has improvedsignificantly in a few years, however there arestill several changes that need to be made.I believe that I am a very competent andhard working young person, able to overcomethe challenging tasks I may be faced with.I am very sociable, adaptable and will bringmy determination to the role.I want to be the voice of young people andmake them feel like they are part of thecommunity.Also, I would like to increase youthengagement and knowledge of politics asit is very important in all our young lives.18I want to be the voice ofyoung people and makethem feel like they are partof the community.

Abde HadjimiNorth EastI have lived in Hackney all my life and I amproud of the changes that have happened,but I still feel some young people are missingout on achieving what they want. As a youngperson, I understand the issues that we facegrowing up in Hackney.If elected I will do everything I can for allyoung people to make sure we are all part ofwhat makes Hackney great.From speaking to young people in ourcommunity, it seems too many of them areworried about the future and I understandhow that feels – but Hackney has a lot to offerand I want to be the one person that createsand highlights opportunities for young peoplein Hackney.So my first goal starts with you – the youngpeople of Hackney – because you have tobelieve in yourselves before anyone elsecan. It is the people that make this borough,so ensuring young people have a voice isimportant to me.WE ARE ALL PART OF WHAT MAKESHACKNEY GREAT.It is the people that makethis borough, so ensuringyoung people have a voiceis important to me.19

Wasilat KoladeNorth EastI believe I make an ideal candidate as I havebeen in the Hackney Youth Parliament for twoyears and I would like to continue to be a veryenthusiastic and hard-working member.I have noticed, in my time as a youthrepresentative, that Hackney has becomea better environment for young people andthey are feeling safer in the area, but I wantto keep developing the confidence of manyindividuals in Hackney.This time round I intend to focus on teenagepregnancy, particularly educating my peergroup. A lot of teenagers nowadays don’tsee getting pregnant at an early age as anybig thing, until it happens. This then leadsto problems, especially with their family andeducation. Most young mums lag behind asit is very difficult for them to cope.I will therefore promote safe sex to youngpeople, highlighting the hardships ofparenthood and pregnancy.This time round I intend tofocus on teenage pregnancy,particularly educating mypeer group20

Roxanna MatoorahNorth EastMy goal is to make a change within Hackneyby publicising young Hackney residents’strengths and achievements, allowing ourvoices to be heard locally as well as politically.As a candidate, I am looking to make youaware of all the opportunities provided byHackney, which many young people feel areinaccessible. People perceive Hackney wronglydue to negative media; I am looking tochange these views.I will look to make sure that youths are awareof all schemes available to them, thereforeincreasing the rate of young people withinthese creative and educational programmes.This will allow the ‘stereotypical view’ ofHackney youth to change, over time, fromnegative to positive. Youths will be seen asdoing good, not bad.Not only will this mean a change in the wayothers view our community but also allow anincrease in our options for future life such ashigher education, employment and a senseof self-worth.My goal is to make achange within Hackney bypublicising young Hackneyresidents’ strengths andachievements.21

Anjum MullaNorth EastHackney is one of the most diverse andtalented boroughs in London. If electedI hope to share our talents with everybody,just like the Olympics showcased some ofthe best talents in the world.People who don’t live here seem to thinkwe’re against everybody. They judge usbefore getting to know us.I want to help show everyone that’s notwho we are, convincing them to get toknow us before judging us – becausewe’re pretty awesome when given thechance to be!We should be empowered to drive our ownfuture. When elected, I hope to increaseparticipation, so we all have the chance totake part and develop our skills in things thatwe may not previously have considered doing.Are you ready for a change? Together we cancreate an even better Hackney!A vote for me is a vote for the future!VOTE MULLA!If elected I hope to shareour talents with everybody,just like the Olympicsshowcased some of thebest talents in the world.22

Buki OsofisanNorth EastI hope to make a vital change. I want to helpcreate a better Youth Parliament: one whichreally gets out there and finds out what is onthe minds of the youths of Hackney.I want to listen to what you have to say, theissues that trouble you.I don’t want to make decisions based solelyon my opinions (that’s what our governmentis doing these days) I want to hear you!I am confident, caring and considerate forothers and I would make sure I put forwardthe important issues.I want be a voice for the youth of Hackney– I want to be a voice for you!I am confident, caringand considerate for othersand I would make sureI put forward theimportant issues.23

Cherry SmithNorth EastWe all know how people stereotype and viewHackney. But when you say Hackney I sayHome. I see a talented and a unique societythat’s been under-rated by the general public.Why? Because our voice is not strong enough!Here in Hackney we live REAL life. With REALproblems. But with no-one REAL enough totell it like it is. I want to be that person.The one that can address not only our issuesbut also our great SUCCESSES. The ones thatYOU and I never hear.We all know how peoplestereotype and viewHackney. But when yousay Hackney I say Home.24

Kaylise VassellNorth EastOne of the main reasons I would like torepresent you in the Youth Parliament isto work with the community and help solvesome of the problems we face. People havea negative view of Hackney, especially ofthe young people in Hackney.I would like to help change their views byreducing the fear of crime, by us youngpeople making Hackney a safer and happierplace to grow up.I want to show anyone who doubtsHackney’s potential what Hackney is reallylike. We should show people that Hackneyis truly a great place to live, and has alot to offer. People don’t know the truthabout Hackney.I think you should choose me because I wantto get involved in making the young peopleof Hackney heard, and making their opinionscount. The young people of Hackney are itsfuture, so let’s hear what we have to say.We should show people thatHackney is truly a great placeto live, and has a lot to offer.25

Yoldas YildizNorth EastIn the last two years, I have been workingto change the lives of young people andmake our future brighter. We have madeEXCELLENT progress, from informing youngpeople about exam stress to working withthe police.I believe there is more to be done. I hopethat the Olympics have truly inspired ourgeneration. However, I wish to work with thecouncil to ensure the facilities in The QueenElizabeth II Park are available for all youngpeople in Hackney, whether it is using sportsfacilities or the new concert hall.I hope to make Hackney Youth Parliamentmore widely known across the borough,ensuring we are heard and our views takenseriously. Not only do I want to inspire ourgeneration but I want to wave the negativepreconceptions away and shed light onHackney. I want everyone to see the beautyI see in Hackney.Vote for your Voice. Vote for thelight. Vote for me.I wish to work with the councilto ensure the facilities inThe Queen Elizabeth II Park areavailable for all young people.26

CandidateManifestos:

Halema BegumShoreditchMy name is Halema and I go to school inHackney, just like you. I am ambitious for thefuture success of Hackney’s young people,committed to helping them achieve theirgoals as I aim to achieve mine.I am driven by a self-belief and confidencethat I hope will inspire others. Hackneycannot abruptly change but I aspire foryoung people to be united as one voice andmake improvements that would benefit them.My aim is for the young people in ourborough to be actively involved in shapingtheir own future; I will highlight the invaluableopportunities available, which enable us tobe encouraged and motivated to make ourdreams reality – starting now!We are the future, but we have the powerto shape our present.My aim is for the youngpeople in our borough to beactively involved in shapingtheir own future.28

Vera BoatengShoreditchIn 2010, getting into Hackney YouthParliament was a platform for me to buildup my confidence and get my voice heard.After two years, I feel I have gained thatconfidence through consistent hard workand dedication.The voice of young people in Hackney hasalready been put out there during this timeand the positive effects of young peoplebeing given recognition are showcased in somany ways throughout the borough whichI’m proud to say I’m a part of.However, you really don’t possess a genuineconfidence unless you demonstrate theability to do something.You can talk about it, but you have todemonstrate it and with my experiencegained during these years I aim to increasethe number of young people in communityengagement.Make your vote count, get your voice heardand together we’ll make the communitywhat we want it to be.Make your vote count, getyour voice heard and togetherwe’ll make the communitywhat we want it to be.29

Dylan Ferner-RoseShoreditchI started secondary school this year andwould like to help young people feel saferand more secure about what lies ahead.I have only been travelling independentlyfor a few months but I have alreadyexperienced several people looking at meon public transport like I am a trouble maker.I think I might be able to help adults trustyoung people more.I have represented my school as a finalistat the Linklaters Debating Challenge. Atsecondary school I plan to continue debating,as I have a critical eye and can back up myarguments effectively.If elected, I would like to help young peopleto be respectful to adults and in return helpadults to be respectful to children. Also, Iwould like to help children feel moreconfident and ready to face challenges suchas independent travelling, tests at school,and facing up to problems that may putthem in a difficult position.I would like to help childrenfeel more confident andready to face challengessuch as independenttravelling, tests at school,and facing up to problems.30

Amari GlennShoreditchHackney Youth Parliament will be a greatway for me to share my views of Hackneywith others.I’m used to working positively in teamsand have the confidence to communicatemy ideas and those of others clearly andconfidently. A vote for me will mean thatyou get more of a say in what you want.A vote for me will mean thatyou get more of a say in whatyou want.31

Ife GrilloShoreditch“If you want youths to respect the law youhave to make the law respectable”I’m Ife. With my outspoken personality anddetermined attitude I’m the man to representyou on the Hackney Youth Parliament.Everyone else will tell you they wantyour voice to be heard and how they arepassionate but if you actually want thingsto change you need someone who’s notafraid to be heard.There are three things I think need to befocused on:• Recognising and showcasing young people’stalents, which I hope to achieve by workingwith schools and youth clubs.• A curriculum that prepares students for life,with more focus on political knowledge,sex and relationship education, drug andalcohol education and finance andbusiness skills.• Stopping youth services from beingclosed down.Why should you vote for me? Because thatwould mean you want change.Why should you vote for me?Because that would meanyou want change.32

Liam Joseph-BecklesShoreditchIf elected to Hackney Youth ParliamentI will be a strong voice for young peoplein Hackney.I will use the opportunity to share not onlymy thoughts about Hackney, but also torepresent your opinions on issues thatmatter in our lives.I enjoy working with others and can seethe potential for change. Often the rulesgoverning young people’s lives are unfair.I want to change the rules, making themfairer! A good starting place would be towork with decision-makers to reduce travelcosts for young people and to ensure weget more of a say in what happens in ourcommunity.If elected to Hackney YouthParliament I will be a strongvoice for young people inHackney.33

John MaughanShoreditchI want to be elected to Hackney YouthParliament so I can make a difference for usso-called ‘kids’ in terms of what happens inour communities and to be able to get moreout of life.I have good communication skills. I’m a greatteam player and know the importance of hardwork and co-operation. My persuasive skillsare useful in helping to make and keep thepeace between people who have differences.Help make a positive difference for Hackney.Vote for me!I want to be elected toHackney Youth Parliamentso I can make a differencefor us so-called ‘kids’ interms of what happens inour communities and to beable to get more out of life.34

Pius Davies YeboahShoreditchI am a peacemaker. One of my mainambitions is to encourage other youngpeople to adopt that same attitude to life.I believe in the strength of unity and feelit is important to have understandingand tolerance in order to build a cohesivecommunity. Harmony, peace and love, andabove all, good morals should drive ouractions.I am a peacemaker. Oneof my main ambitions isto encourage other youngpeople to adopt that sameattitude to life.35

CandidateManifestos:

Zafar AlibhaiStoke NewingtonIf I get elected as a Hackney YouthParliament representative I believe I cantruly make a difference by representing andpromoting your views and ideas. Introducingyoung people to the IAG – IndependentAdvisory Group – as participants would ensureyoung people have their say on crime-relatedissues affecting Hackney. This will also ensurethere would be a connection with the BoroughPolice Commander.My main priorities are to:• Get young people sitting on the IAG Panel• Campaign to lower the voting age to 16• Campaign to get the Council to supportyoung people to stay on in further andhigher education or secure scholarshipsafter 16’• To ensure the young citizens of Hackneyget the most from the 2012 facilities andbenefit from the Olympic Legacy.My Voice is Your Voice.So Vote Zafar.I believe I can truly makea difference by representingand promoting your viewsand ideas.37

Sajeda ChinaStoke NewingtonYou should vote for me because I will bea strong voice representing the view ofthousands of young people in Hackney.I would like to tackle the negative stereotypesof youths in the media by:• Planning events and putting on workshops• Taking action locally, such as making surethere are things for young people to do• Having consultations with other peopleon the subjects that matter.I can get involved with the council andcouncillors. I can make a positive changeand keep young people in Hackneyinformed about things affecting them.The skills and attributes I can bring are:good communication and organisationalskills, teamwork and patience.I would like to make a difference, not onlyto our community, but to every individual.I have done it on a small scale but would liketo make an impact locally and nationally.But I need your help and your vote.I would like to make adifference, not only toour community, but toevery individual.38

Harry DixonStoke NewingtonI have started to become interested in politicsand have enjoyed being part of our schoolcouncil for the last two years.I believe that one of my strengths ishaving the confidence to deliver my pointsclearly and precisely. Also, I have goodcommunication skills and am able to listen,co-operate and persuade others.As well as this, I am an imaginative personand am good at thinking of creativesolutions to problems.One of the major problems with schoolsin London is that many young people donot fully understand the way in which theGovernment is run. This is why I would liketo include more government and politicsorientatedlessons in schools across Hackney.These could involve having external speakerscoming in and working with students toexpand their knowledge on topical issues.Particular emphasis should be placed oninvolving students from disadvantagedbackgrounds.I would like to include moregovernment and politicsorientatedlessons in schoolsacross Hackney.39

Lee EastlandStoke NewingtonI have lived in Hackney all my life and Ibelieve the young people of this boroughhave not been perceived in a positive lightover the years.I am running because, if elected, I will workhard to erase the negative stereotypesplaced on youths of Hackney. I am verylively, expressive and assertive. I will ensureI assert myself in situations that require meto be the voice of the voiceless.The most important thing for me is to openyoung people’s eyes to the fact that if westand together and step forward, changescan and will be made. I believe in helpingthose who help others. In my own youth work,sports coaching and life skills, I use these skillsto care and take into account other people’sissues and views.Stand together, step forward for anew beginning.The most important thing forme is to open young people’seyes to the fact that if westand together and stepforward, changes can andwill be made.40

Mehria FazliStoke NewingtonAfter two year’s experience of HackneyYouth Parliament and a year as a UK YouthParliament member I am keen to continueour successes.Our campaigns included ‘Exam Stress’– working with CAMHS (Children andAdolescent Mental Health Service) to helpyoung people deal with exam pressure.I have also represented Hackney youth atUKYP House of Commons debates, takingour campaigns and issues throughout theyear to national meetings. I hope to continuethis next year.My aim is to reduce people’s negative viewsabout teenagers. To do this, I will run positivecampaigns and prove that young people arecreative, talented and positive.Secondly, my aim is to continue to increaseopportunities for young people, such as thefive new Young Hackney youth centres thatHackney Youth Parliament helped create.A vote for me will benefit you.Together we can do it!My aim is to continue toincrease opportunitiesfor young people.41

Mariam HajiStoke NewingtonYouth. What does that word mean to you?To many: shootings and lootings. To adults:violence and disobedience. The media? Theyjust spice up these images with lashings ofexaggeration. But guess what I see whenI hear ‘youth’?Creativity, selflessness, determination.Unfortunately, the crimes of a few havesilenced our positivity, but we the youngpeople have the power to change this.We can break through society’s stereotypes.Vote for me, and I will campaign for:• More opportunities for us to give back toour community through volunteering• A greater voice in our education• More facilities and opportunities to mentorand share our skills with each other• Employers to recognise our skills and talents.We are the leaders of tomorrow – the facesof the future. Let’s prove it.We, the young people, will rise out ofnegativity. We will not be silenced by society.Vote Mariam. Vote change!We are the leaders oftomorrow – the faces ofthe future. Let’s prove it.42

Chavon LearStoke NewingtonI would like to be a member of HackneyYouth Parliament because I believe it wouldbe a good opportunity to be part of achange for the good.I am a well-organised, persistent,quick-thinking student, who works well ina team of various ages. I am good at workingwhen put on the spot and will not hesitateto contribute ideas that spring to mind.I am good at working whenput on the spot and will nothesitate to contribute ideasthat spring to mind.43

Billie MyersStoke NewingtonI am very committed and reliable; I am alsoa good leader and team worker. I wouldlike to be a member of the Hackney YouthParliament so I can make changes that willnot only help young people in my area, buteveryone in the community.I have been a volunteer at the Paralympics,and I’d like to ensure the legacy of theGames is available to young people in myarea. I would like to see local clubs using thefacilities and venues.I would like to see new sports clubs such ashandball, which aren’t fully-established asmainstream sports. Additionally, I wouldlike to see more clubs for a variety ofdisability sports.I would like to be a memberof the Hackney YouthParliament so I can makechanges that will not onlyhelp young people in myarea, but everyone in thecommunity.44

Nadia PriebeStoke NewingtonMy hobby and passion is to help andco-operate with people and doing sowithin my community would be a dreamcome true. Working with others at HackneyYouth Parliament would really help developmy skills of communicating and debating.It would be a real honour too, to representyou. I like to listen to what people have tosay in situations, accepting the positivesand negatives for what they are andnegotiating accordingly as all opinions arevalid, unless they are biased.I am open-minded and creative, I play violin,enjoy singing and do rock climbing as ahobby. I speak German fluently as that is mynationality, but have always lived in Hackney.Throughout my life I have seen many thingsand experienced many places, my school isvery diverse – cultural difference teaches usacceptance.I would ensure I make the most of thisopportunity.I have seen many thingsand experienced manyplaces, my school is verydiverse – cultural differenceteaches us acceptance.45

Rwby TuckerStoke NewingtonHello, my name is Rwby and I’m 15 years old.I love to help people and would happily giveup my time to do so. I’m very committedand when I want to see a change, I makesure it happens.I think I am very easy to talk to, so peoplewould tell me their opinions and ideas.I want young people to have a larger partin the community and for it to be reportedin the media more.Hackney youths get a lot of bad press andliving here and seeing the good things thatwe do, it feels unfair. I believe ourachievements should be recognised moreand our reputation improved.Also, I want to prevent the bad things thatdo happen within the area. I want to makeHackney a happy and safe place for youthsto live in.I want to make Hackney ahappy and safe place foryouths to live in.46

THE YOUTH CHARTERSupporting the active participation of young peopleThe Hackney Youth Charter supports the activeinvolvement of children and young people indecision making.The Charter sets out clear standards andexpectations around active youthparticipation. It is designed primarily asa guidance document for service providers,but can also be used by young people.Copies of the Youth Charter are also availablein poster and z card format for use in youthsettings.If you would like copies of the Youth Charteror would like to discuss any plans or seekassistance please do not hesitate to contact:Tom SheppardYouth Offer Co-ordinatoron 020 8356 7650Five new YoungHackney CentresLaunching 27 October – 2 November(half term holiday)Sport, music production, DJ workshops, BMX, careersadvice, sexual health drop-in, media, IT, app building,drama, jobs and training, street dance, graffiti workshops,climbing, songwriting, film-making, fashion, design, bikejam, Duke of Edinburgh’s, personal safety workshops,life skills, cooking, film club, volunteering, club nights,comedy, debates, health and wellbeing, Wii and more...Take part in any five activities at any centre over thehalf-term holiday (27 October – 2 November) andyou could win an ipad.The new centres are for all young people in HackneySafe – A place for all young people to relax and enjoyExciting – Unlike any youth centre you’ve seen beforeYours! – You can take part, you can get involved• Concorde at Homerton • Hoxton Hall• Dalston Junction • Stoke Newington• Woodberry Downwww.younghackney.orgfacebook.com/younghackneyTwitter @younghackney

Hackney’s AreaYouth ForumsHelp make your community stronger, more enjoyable and a better place to be. Youth Forums represent the voice of youngpeople in their area. We do this by going out in the community and researching young people’s needs – as well as organisingyouth events, films projects and other innovative projects. We also undertake accredited training and go on weekendresidential trips outside London. Well, we have to have a little fun too, you know!How do I join?Anyone can join a Youth Forum(as long as you’re aged 11 – 19).So, why do it?• It’s an opportunity to meet other young people• You can develop new skills and gain qualifications• It’s a way to have positive new experiences• It’s good for your CV• You can take part in residential visits and trips.Find out more about your nearest Youth Forum andget details of the next meeting:Homertonashleigh.applewhaite@hackney.gov.uk020 8356 6403North Eastmodi.abdoul@hackney.gov.uk020 8356 4164Shoreditcheleanor.engledow@hackney.gov.uk020 8356 5305Stoke Newingtonmandy.richards@hackney.gov.uk0208 356 5433PJ49120