A new youth parliament has been elected in Southwark after a vote by students last month.
During election week, running from July 19-25, young people across the borough selected 46 candidates to represent schools and community areas, all aged between fourteen and nineteen.
Among those voted in were Southwark’s first ever ‘youth leader’ and ‘deputy youth leader’. They will all serve a two-year term.
The new parliament will be the voice of young people across Southwark and help shape Southwark Council’s policies, including its flagship ‘youth new deal’.
Voters were asked what issues they wanted addressing as a priority, and answered with Black Lives Matter, knife crime and mental health. Their first formal meeting will be held this September.
Awele Benokwu is Southwark’s new youth leader and one of two representatives for Harris Girls’ Academy, East Dulwich. She said: “I am extremely honoured to be elected Southwark’s first ever youth leader.
“I am looking forward to making sure that young people’s voices are heard and actions are taken to deliver on the issues that impact us most.
“This role will enable me to have a platform where I can focus on youth unity, where I will seek to provide and not divide.
“I am prepared to make a positive change in Southwark for our future and I cannot wait to get to work with all the youth parliament members.”
Dreaon McDonald Simms was elected as Southwark’s new deputy youth leader and is one of two representatives for Camberwell.
As part of his campaign, he hit the streets of Camberwell to ask residents what change they would like to see. He said: “I am thrilled to be elected as deputy youth leader and representative for Camberwell.
“I stood for election because I believe I can be a voice for the unheard. I don’t want there to be any hierarchy in my relationship with Camberwell and the rest of Southwark.
“I am Dreaon – a student, a teen and just like many of you, a member of this fantastic community. I will ensure your voices are heard and positive change is made.”
Cllr Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark Council, said: “Huge congratulations to Awele, Dreaon and our new parliamentarians.
“I’m really excited to work with you all on the key issues that Southwark’s young people care about the most. Nobody knows better than young people what their lives are really like, especially amid the huge challenges posed by the pandemic.
“Through our new youth parliament, young people now have the opportunity to take control and shape decisions about their future.”
Cllr Jasmine Ali, Southwark’s deputy leader and cabinet member for children, young people and education, said: “I’m so proud to welcome such a brilliant and diverse team of young people to our new youth parliament.
“You will all play a critical role. You’ll influence our policies. You’ll help design our services. You’ll help us make sure Southwark is a place where young people are seen, heard and supported to fulfil their potential.
Southwark youth parliament is the cornerstone of our youth new deal: putting young people at the heart of decision-making.”
Visit www.southwark.gov.uk/youthparliament for more information