On November 21st, the young people of Islington took part in the Islington Youth Council elections.
The Youth Council was set up by Islington Council in 2011 to give local young people a voice. The current Youth Council was elected in November 2022, and several thousand 11 to 17-year-olds in Islington cast their vote.
The Youth Council is made up of 14 youth councillors who have been elected to serve a two-year term in office. Youth councillors will also have the opportunity to become the Young Mayor, Deputy Young Mayor and Member of London Youth Assembly.
The youth councillors work to:
- represent the views of children and young people in Islington
- help determine how money is spent on services for children and young people
- share their views with the council and its partners on issues affecting children and young people
- improve the range and quality of services for young people in Islington.
The Islington Youth Council election resulted in what Raj Jalota, Islington’s Children and Young People’s Participation Officer, called a ‘decisive victory’ for two outstanding CFBS candidates. Zackariya Yahya and Matthew Coleman, both Year 9 Central Foundation students, bring unique and vital perspectives to the council.
Zackariya’s manifesto focused on encouraging young people to stay active both physically and mentally, emphasizing sports, mental well-being, and leadership opportunities, while Matthew’s is dedicated to promoting more creative opportunities for youth and enhancing their experiences in the borough.
Both candidates had the honor of meeting the leader and Mayor of Islington at the announcement ceremony, marking an important milestone in their journey. Their policies will guide the council in its mission to empower young people and lead campaigns that address key issues, aiming to create a brighter future for Islington’s youth.