Rising stars of local democracy

Young people’s youth-led activism shined under the spotlights of London’s City Hall at the weekend.

Brent Youth Parliament was shortlisted for two awards at the London Youth Achievement Awards run by the London Assembly.

Brent’s young leaders’ political representation for young people was celebrated through their shortlisting for Best Initiative Award. Their nomination recognised Brent Youth Parliament’s work to put young people’s voices at the forefront of local democracy through lobbying the council’s Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee on issues such as vaping and illegal substances.

The chair of Brent Youth Parliament, Kenechi Ezeajughi, was also shortlisted for the Greener London Award for her environmental campaigning.

“It was an honour to be nominated and shortlisted for the London Youth Achievement Award in the Greener London Category,” said Kenechi. “My primary responsibility was to lead a task force for the environmental campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices among the youth and the wider community. None of this would have been possible without the support of Brent Youth Parliament and my family.”

The young Brent stars celebrated their success at the London Youth Achievement Awards at City Hall on 2 May.

Councillor Ketan Sheth, Chair of the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee, supported the nominations. “The awards ceremony was a fantastic night of well-deserved recognition for Brent Youth Parliament,” he said.

“We’ve seen an increase in young people getting involved and asking questions of council decision-makers through Brent Youth Parliament’s activism. It has been amazing to see how their hard work and dedication has made youth participation meaningful in Council forums. We are very proud of them.”

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and School, said: “The young leaders of Brent Youth Parliament are equipping children in Brent schools and youth groups to take part in local democracy. It’s wonderful to see young people directly setting future agendas. I want to congratulate Brent Youth Parliament and Kenechi for everything they’ve achieved.”