Self-identity and progression: Why representation matters
The Black Excellence Network by its definition is set up to challenge the racial disparities within UK higher education and competitive courses seen between black students and other ethnicities. We also support the professional and personal development of current black university students nationwide. And I feel as though this adequately encapsulates their mission. This is
- Published in Bank of England Youth Forum, Blogs
UK Young Ambassadors attend European discussions in Budapest
On April 21st, Sylvia, Tom and Maurizio traveled to Budapest for the Spring COMEM preparatory BICC meeting. COMEM is the European Youth Forum’s Council of Members meeting which happens bi-annually and focuses on things such as member admission and policy motions. BICC is the name of the subgroup of youth councils that the British Youth
- Published in Blogs, UK Young Ambassadors
British Youth Council reignites campaign for a lower voting age
The British Youth Council is renewing its efforts to lobby politicians for a lower voting age of 16 as part of a 3-year partnership with The Body Shop. Together, they will develop a Votes at 16 manifesto, calling for all political parties to incorporate full voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds in all national elections
- Published in News, Press, Votes at 16
British Youth Council expresses concern following reports of Black schoolgirl being strip-searched by police officers
On 15th March 2022, it was reported that a 15 year-old black schoolgirl (Child Q) was subjected to an invasive strip search at school by two police officers. The British Youth Council are appalled to learn of the young black girl’s experience, and reiterate previous calls to end anti-Black police brutality. Osaro Otobo, Deputy Chair
UK Young Ambassadors: Reflections from Brussels
From 5th-6th March 2022, I attended a special consultation session of the European Youth Forum (YFJ) in Brussels. The meeting was centered on the issue of statutory reforms, which given a change in Belgian law, required changing. As a result, the YFJ convened a special consultation with members to discuss the changes proposed by the
- Published in Blogs, UK Young Ambassadors
UK Young Ambassadors respond to war in Ukraine
As international representatives of the British Youth Council we are extremely concerned by the events currently unfolding in Eastern Ukraine. After weeks of escalation and failed attempts to return to diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin – as of the early hours February 24, 2022 – authorised a “military operation” into the Eastern Donbass region of
- Published in Blogs, Press, UK Young Ambassadors
UK Youth Parliament calls on young people to have their say
Young people across the UK can now participate in the UK Youth Parliament’s Make Your Mark ballot, the largest survey of young people in Europe. The month-long campaign will see volunteers and Members of Youth Parliament canvasing for the views of young people. The annual ballot, which has taken place since 2011, gives young people
- Published in News, Press, UK Youth Parliament
Largest consultation of young people to commence in February
UK Youth Parliament will launch its ballot of young people on the 1st February 2022 as part of its drive to determine the biggest issues. The nationwide ballot gives young people aged 11-18 the opportunity to shortlist the topics they feel are the most pressing issues facing young people across the UK. The month-long campaign
- Published in News, Press, UK Youth Parliament
Gathering with young people from across Europe to discuss a sustainable future
On 3rd November, UK Young Ambassadors Sylvia, William and I headed to Bern to attend the Swiss National Youth Session to be held on 3-8th of November. The session itself was a special one, marked by the 30th anniversary since the first Youth Session took place back in 1991. Focused on the issue of sustainability,
- Published in Blogs, UK Young Ambassadors
A small action can make huge differences
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have to abide by restrictions such as social distancing and prevent unnecessary trips, the opportunities of carrying out face to face interaction within the community are extremely difficult. However the masks and social distancing does not stop one from volunteering and serving the community, just in an alternative
- Published in Blogs, NHS Youth Forum