HYP Candidate Manifesto Booklet 2010 .pdf - Young Hackney

Candidate Manifesto Booklet
Hackney Youth Parliament
Elections 2010
Your Hackney, Your Future, Your Right
Feel the change, Make it happen

Foreword by Councillor Rita Krishna
Welcome to the candidate booklet for the Hackney
Youth Parliament Elections 2010
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
acknowledges that those under 18 years of age have
the ability and, therefore, the right to be involved in
decision-making. Over the last two years, the Hackney
Youth Parliament has been working tirelessly to ensure
that this happens in Hackney. Parliament members
have volunteered their time to represent the aspirations,
issues and concerns of young people across the borough.
Hackney Youth Parliament has actively undertaken
outreach onto housing estates, and attended planning
events and consultations, engaging young people on
a range of issues and promoting their right to have
their voices heard. They have informed strategic plans
developed by the Council and its partners and have
championed young people’s voices on various decisionmaking
groups and meetings with Councillors, Heads
of the council’s department for Children and Young
People’s Services local MPs and Government Ministers.
For those candidates who have put themselves up for
election this year, these elections mark the end of an
intense period of work. All the candidates in this booklet
have undertaken training; to help bring their manifestos
to life and explore the skills and knowledge they have
that will make them an excellent Hackney Youth
Parliament representative. All of the candidates should
be congratulated for being prepared to play an active
role in their community and promote young people’s
involvement in democracy - locally, nationally and
globally. As a Council, we believe that involving young
people in decision-making will result in a balanced,
representative and democratic community that
ultimately benefits all Hackney’s residents. You can be
assured that the council will be working with the elected
Youth Parliament members to support them to gain
the skills, knowledge and confidence to carry out their
responsibilities.
Through the work of the Hackney Youth Parliament,
and the work of our Area Youth Forums, ambitious
targets have been set for better and more meaningful
involvement of young people in Hackney’s local
government. In the process, they have hugely increased
the opportunities available for young people to
get involved in shaping the design and delivery of
the services - in the process potentially developing
councillors and politicians of the future. They have been
a huge inspiration to many young people in Hackney
and I want to personally thank them for all that they
have achieved.
Councillor Rita Krishna
Cabinet Member for Children
and Young People’s Services

HYP Elections 2010 General Info FAQs
Help make positive change for young people in Hackney
If you are aged between 11-19 (or up to 25 if you conside yourself disabled) and live, work or socialise in Hackney you
can vote in the Hackney Youth Parliament election. Voting will take place at Hackney Town Hall on 15 October. This is
your chance to influence change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Hackney Youth Parliament (HYP)?
The HYP aims to give a voice to young people in
Hackney. It is made up of 27 members that have been
elected from the four area youth forums, the Young
People’s Disability Forum and LGBT Forum. The HYP
aims to represent the views of young people in Hackney.
What does the HYP do?
The HYP’s collective voice has the power to influence
change on important decisions that affect the lives of
young people in Hackney. Members attend meetings
and are listened to by Hackney Council, the Police and
other service providers.
Who decides who will be part of the HYP?
You do! If you are between 11-19 years old and live,
work, or socialise in the borough then you can vote.
How can I vote?
Voting by ballot will take place at secondary schools and
youth clubs across the borough between 11 - 14 October
2010. There are 4 Area Forums in Hackney: Homerton,
North East, Shoreditch and Stoke Newington.
You can vote for up to 5 candidates for the area your
school or youth club is situated in. Read through their
manifesto’s and mark your chosen candidates with an
X on the ballot paper. If you do not attend school in
Hackney but wish to vote, you can vote at your local
youth club or youth forum.
How will results be announced?
Ballot papers will be counted electronically throughout
15 October at Hackney Town Hall. The results of the
Hackney Youth Parliament will be announced from
4-5pm. From 10-5 on the 15th there will also be a
Youth Democracy Fair, which will have a range of stalls,
workshops and other activities available to all secondary
schools in Hackney. Places are limited so please contact
Michael Connors on 07772 227 319 to book your place.
How can I find out more?
If you would like more information about the
youth area forums contact the following people:
Homerton and North East
cat.garrett@hackney.gov.uk 07527 385 664
Shoreditch and Stoke Newington
mandy.richards@hackney.gov.uk 07527 385 680
If you would like more information about the
HYP and the elections contact michael.connors@
hackney.gov.uk or call 07772 227 319.
For more information about the results event visit
www.hackney.gov.uk/talk-politics

Update on Hackney Youth Parliament (HYP) – by
departing HYP Communications Officer, Martin Kakaire
Hello, my name is Martin and I am the
Communications Officer of the Hackney Youth
Parliament. I just want to give you a quick update
on what HYP have been up to over the last 2 years.
Believe me we have come along way since we were
elected in 2008.
I was elected onto HYP in 2008 to represent the
Shoreditch area. I put myself up for election back
then to make a difference and to represent the views
of young people in Hackney and I really feel that HYP
has achieved this. We have worked on trying to get
more young people involved in politics and democracy
as decisions that are made by the council really do
have an impact on our lives.
Some of us went to America during the 2008
Presidential Elections and made a film, you may have
seen it, called “Freedom and Choices - HYP does US
democracy”. The aim of our film was to get more of
us talking about politics and the things that are really
important to us, after all politics effects our everyday
lives! We premiered our film and showed it in schools
and youth clubs around Hackney. To date over 2000
young people have seen our film! Hey who knows,
you may have decided to put yourself up for elections
because of it!
Part of our job was to undertake consultations with
young people across Hackney and to present their
views to Hackney’s councillors, who we met with
on a regular basis to show them that young people
in Hackney really care about where they live. We
worked on projects with the Overview and Scrutiny
team at the council which involved us going onto
estates in Hackney, talking to young people and
finding out more about the kinds of anti social
behaviour issues they encounter on a regular basis.
We also did a survey on child poverty. We even
made recommendations to the council about how
to tackle these issue. We have had several meetings

with the Mayor of Hackney and we even visited
Downing Street a couple of times to help them put
together the government’s Youth Drug & Alcohol
Misuse policy and help launch the national “No to
Knives” campaign. We have also had two members
of the Hackney Youth Parliament elected onto
the UK Youth Parliament ensuring your views are
represented nationally!
We have always championed the voice of young
people in our borough and we are really proud of that.
We at HYP have all played our part and we have
worked as a team to make sure we represent you well.
Sometimes that wasn’t easy as we all have different
views, but we always remained focused on the job
at hand and got it done. It’s also great that we have
been recognised and rewarded for our work. We have
had loads of accredited training, and we take great
pride in knowing that we are doing our best for you,
the young people of Hackney.
I would like to end by saying that the friends I have
made in HYP gradually over time became like my
family, and they were there for me, as well as each
other. Though it was sometime hard work, we have
also had fun in the process. Over the last two years
I have learned so much about politics, myself and
others. Collectively HYP Members have earned many,
many new skills that have enabled some of us to
even aspire to maybe being Britain’s first black Prime
Minister! Hey, if Obama can then so can we! Yes
we can!
For all of you who are putting yourselves up for
election this year, good luck, work hard and be proud
of who you are! Be nothing other than the best you
can be.
Photographs by Gary Manchine, Piotr Obal and Crown Copyright

Candidate
Manifestos:

Denise Akinyemi
Homerton
I feel passionately about hackney and the potential
it offers to us bright youths.
Hackney for you as well as me is a place we can call
our home. We can be youths that change how we’re
portrayed in the media. People shouldn’t disregard
us. We are: a smart hackney, we are the future.
I want to help young people grow through ability,
strength and confidence. I am determined, honest,
reliable, and willing to make sure you are heard
rather than just seen. So believe in me!
As a peer mentor I know what many issues we are
facing. I have done volunteering work and have also
talked to other youths.
• The only way to prevent crimes committed
by young people is to educate engagingly, by
working with youth clubs/schools to develop
projects on gun/knife crimes teen pregnancies
bullying and other youth issues.
• Working in partnership with the council
on increasing educational funds for school
departments and more youth services.
• Discrimination is an issue, we are seen as guinea
pigs to the adult community I will work with the
police and you on making sure that young people
are not discriminated.
I will make sure every decision made comes from you.
Vote for me if you believe:
youths are the solution not
the problem!

Sharmen Begum
Homerton
I’m 13 and I’ve been living in Hackney all my life.
I’d like to talk about what I’ll do if I’m elected.
There are a number of issues I’d like to change.
For example the current cutbacks on funding. This
will affect many youth organisations. Young people
go to youth clubs to keep out of trouble. We all use
youth clubs to chill out and have fun. Isn’t that what
being young is about?
If funding is stopped we won’t have many activities.
Young people would stay out in streets and end up
in trouble. Crime would start increasing and we’d
get the blame. I’d like to stop this from happening
by organising meetings with organisations and stop
them from cutting funds. We won’t be able to do
this if our views aren’t heard.
It’s our Future, our Hackney,
our rights! So vote for me!

Mercy Brown
Homerton
Would you like a change...
In the area you live? In your life? And to be offered
more opportunities?
Well you are looking at the right candidate. I, Mercy
Brown, I will make your voices heard! I am easily
approachable, come to ME with your suggestions, I
will take them higher where something will be done.
Also I will try my hardest to pave paths, with
more opportunities.
Hackney is an exceptionally talented borough. So
I think youth clubs and centres that showcase the
positive talent of hackney is a way forward, a way to
eliminate the stereotype.
Also we should also continue our known traditions
and show the rest of the country we are still the
liveliest and brightest borough.
Together we stand for change.
A vote for me is a token for a
better future!

Rhasan Brunner
Homerton
I am a young person who feels proud about the
community of Hackney. This is why I am standing
for election to represent its youth.
I feel very passionate about Hackney and its people,
because it has many diverse people, and has
opportunities. I want to give something back, by
acting as a youth activist and, by working to tackle
the issues young people face, such as crime and
stereotyping. Also by working to empower and give
young people a voice.
I will contribute to achieving these aims by:
• Working with police and councillors to empower
young people, and to tackle crime
• Producing articles in the Hackney Today about
the positive work young people are doing
• Working with youth organizations to better
the community
If elected, I will not rest till I
achieve these aims and make
a positive difference.

Junior Bubi
Homerton
My name is Junior Bubi and I believe that I will
make an ideal candidate for Hackney Youth
Parliament as I am a very enthusiastic person with a
hard-working ethic.
I have lived in Hackney for the majority of my
life which was long enough for me to realize that
the youths in Hackney are unjustly victims of bad
publicity which has unfortunately tarnished the
outlook of Hackney.
My priority is to ensure that the talent that
Hackney does most certainly have is showcased. For
examples, dance groups, local football teams and
drama performances are placed in a new magazine,
which would be aimed at everyone, to view the
achievements that Hackney youths have achieved.
Doing this, I believe the magazine will motivate
others to achieve.
Vote for me and I can assure
you that your talents and
achievements are known.
Vote Jr!

Kaadine Hughes
Homerton
I am Kaadine Hughes. I’m part of Hackney’s
Community. Hackney is my home.
Elected in 2008 as Member of Hackney
Youth Parliament.
My Manifesto was about having the passion to
inspire Youth Culture to live positively.
During my term, I’ve successfully Co-Organized
workshops including:
“How to be safe on the Streets of Hackney”
“Stop & Search Information Session” where young
people were invited to have an audience with and
debate with the Police.
I took part in Inspecting Youth Clubs – evaluating
and rating the services they provided and
inspecting parks.
This year my goals are similar to 2008 but I
have made bullying a priority as well as stopping
services being cut for young people and crime
prevention. I will use all the resources I can, as this
opportunity has increased my desire to reach out
to the wider community.
Vote for me to spread the
message. We deserve to live
in a safer Hackney.

Moonisah Parvin
Homerton
Hi my name is Moonisah and I’m 13. I’ve lived in
hackney my whole life and now I think it’s time for a
change. I’d love to be your representative and your
voice. I want to understand and fix your problems.
People in hackney should be heard and their needs
should be resolved. I would be pleased to help.
I want to remove the stereotypical views about
hackney and the young generation, and make a
POSITIVE CHANGE.
I believe that everybody should be treated equally.
I would help people with different abilities to mix in
and experience the life fully. I’d listen to people’s
views and run campaigns. I will get involved and
do whatever it takes to get your concerns and
ideas across to the main people like the police
and councillors.
Vote for me, let your words
be heard!

Chey Peterson-Constable
Homerton
Hello my name is Chey. If you make me a part of
the Youth Parliament, I will make sure there are
more places to get advice so when you finish your
GCSEs and A Levels you will know what to do to get
a job.
I will also make sure that your voice will be heard,
although shallow politicians think that all teenagers
are trouble makers and don’t deserve a voice. Well I
say we do!
I will also make sure that there will be more sport
clubs available outside of school and they are known
about by you.
So if you want more clubs, a voice in the parliament
and better chances of you getting the job that you
seek in life? Then vote for me. Chey!
I will make sure that your
voice will be heard.

Rebecca Samuel
Homerton
As a skilful and talented young individual my aim
is to provide a strong and sustainable structure in
order for young people’s views to be heard in our
society TODAY!
As an outspoken leader I believe that equality
and diversity should be cherished and respected,
regardless of your sexuality, gender or race.
I want to develop the confidence of many
individuals in Hackney. I want to involve and
increase the awareness of opportunities in our
community and provide more, which will benefit the
generation of TODAY!
I feel that there are many opportunities which are
on offer for young people. It’s just they’re unaware
of what is going on. Having me as a member of the
Youth Parliament could change the way adults and
the media see the younger generation of TODAY!
There are no limits to life’s
endless opportunities, so let
this be one of many.

Jesse Williams
Homerton
I have a vision. My vision is that one day, Hackney
shall have a reputation for being a great town, and
shall get rid of its negative stereotypes. However,
the foundation of this vision is YOU.
Being a Hackney resident all my life, I want the best
for my hometown.
Now, I aim to do this by opening my ears to your
voice and find the things that you, the young people
of Hackney, would like to do in your free time.
Through workshops and clubs, I believe we can keep
the minority of people facing the risk of making
wrong decisions from making those bad decisions.
I’m not saying that the majority of us Hackney
youth are getting involved in the wrong side, but
everything has a down side, and unfortunately some
of us do fall into this category, so vote for peace in
Hackney via me.
I have a vision. The
foundation of this vision
is YOU!

THE YOUTH CHARTER
Supporting the active participation of young people
The Hackney Youth Charter supports the
active involvement of children and young
people in decision making.
The Charter sets out clear standards
and expectations around active youth
participation. It is designed primarily as a
guidance document for service providers, but
can also be used by young people.
Copies of the Youth Charter are also
available in poster and z card format for use
in youth settings.
If you would like copies of the Youth Charter
or would like to discuss any plans or seek
assistance please do not hesitate to contact:
Michael Connors –
Youth Participation Manager
on 07772227319
DEMOCRACY
AMBASSADORS
REPRESENT OTHERS, MAKE BIG
CHANGES & MAKE YOURSELF HEARD
GET
..training & skills
..to plan your own events
..involved in decisions that affect Hackney’s youth
..to go to local events and meet other young people
HELP
..generate provocative debate
..spread the word about young people’s rights
AND MUCH MORE
CONTACT Mandy Richards.
Text ‘your name’ and ‘DEMOCRACY’ to 07527 385 680
and you will get a call back.
Or email your details to mandy.richards@hackney.gov.uk

Candidate
Manifestos:

Vera Boateng
North East
I love living in Hackney and I believe you do too.
Every young person in Hackney has a voice that
must be heard, be it about problems or solutions.
I have being trained in my basic education as a
prefect. I had to co-operate with other people and
take their ideas on board to make the school a
better place. I think this serves as a solid foundation
for seeking election to HYP.
Unfortunately not everyone gets the opportunity
to be heard, if given the opportunity I would
personally like to get young people’s views on board.
I will do this by attending youth clubs around me in
order to get the ideas of young people and getting
involved in youth activities in order for young people
in my constituency to get to know me more and in
order for them to feel free to confronting me with
their issues.
Vote for me and together
we can make a change in
Hackney. That is my priority.

Bamidele Jegede-Luis
North East
Being born and brought up in a place as
inspirational as hackney is what motivated me to
want to get your views and positive changes out
to Hackney.
Electing me to be a member in Hackney Youth
Parliament will ensure that whatever you believe
in, and feel strongly about will be declared and
acknowledged by me.
As young people living in hackney you might face
hard times in getting your voice heard and doing
positive things that’ll benefit you and other young
people around you. If so, I’ll make a pledge to
open more activities and schemes that’ll have
you contributing to the community in the best ways
possible.
You’re the reason why Hackney is developing better
throughout the years. Let’s reinforce this and make
Hackney shine with more positivity than negatives.
We know the crime and gang culture can’t change
easily, but with little steps of improvement these
issues can be eradicated.
Vote for me!
Let’s make Hackney shine!

Wasilat Kolade
North East
HELLO YOUNG HACKNEY
My name is Wasilat Kolade. I am 14-years young
and have lived in hackney for four years and I love
living in Hackney because there are lots of things
you can learn and new people to meet.
Some people always make judgments about
Hackney saying “Oh do you know that Hackney
is a very dangerous place, don’t go to the school
there you will not learn a lot from their schools,” but
have half of those people who are saying all these
negative things ever seen the place and seen how
good the schools are – with young people getting
A* in the G.C.S.E? NOPE! Because they are to busy
being judgmental!
I would like to change some of the negative stuff
people are saying about Hackney. And start positive
things. I would set up more youth clubs and get
young people talking about what we can all do as
Hackney for people to stop the hating.
I would like to change some
of the negative stuff people
are saying about Hackney.
And start positive things.

Matthew Oyetunji
North East
I am an experienced, motivated and diplomatic
Hackney Youth Parliamentarian seeking re-election
to reinforce the work done so far – tackling more
of your problems and the issues you might face
in Hackney.
Why Vote for me:
Growing up in Hackney you become very aware
of its reputation and the stereotypes Hackney has
been facing throughout the years. Voting for me
will ensure that in my two years as a representative,
I will:
• Help re-brand Hackney and raise expectations
• All young people in Hackney will be more
acknowledged for the positive work they’re doing
in the community
• And instead of my ideas, you will be using me
to enforce your ideas and changes you want in
Hackney. My role is to help make your ideas and
views reality.
Hackney: our home, our
borough, our lives, your
responsibility.
Vote for me.

Madina Sanessie
North East
My name is Madina Sanessie and I’m here today
because I want to become a candidate for HYP.
A lot of people come to promise things, however I’m
here to promise you nothing as I don’t believe in
promises, but I am keen to listen to what you want
if you elect me.
The one thing I believe in is that kids should all have
an education. When students get expelled they
always get the blame but do you ever ask deeper
questions like: Does the teacher understand the
student? Did the student get the required attention?
And this is why “Fairbridge” is up and running to
help students that are expelled from school get
the basic necessities meaning, English, Science and
Maths so that these students are not left out and
can further their own education and get further
ahead in life. If adults see that expelled students are
interested in getting an education after exclusion
then maybe just maybe their views will change and
see that young youths are not all the same and
some of us want to do well.
A vote for me is a vote for a
better future.

Yoldas Yildiz
North East
My name is Yoldas and I want to be a candidate in
the Hackney Youth Parliament.
Belonging to an ethnic minority who has lived
in Hackney all my life, I have seen many of the
changes that have taken place in hackney - from
the improved transport schemes, to the brilliant
GCSE results and the newly developed local parks
integrating the community together.
Although Hackney has improved dramatically,
people still have preconceptions of Hackney as “the
worst borough.” Hence ignoring the enhancements
and opportunities Hackney has to offer. I believe
Hackney is under-estimated, which is why I want to
represent the HYP so that I can waive those views,
which are rooted in the past. Instead, I want to
shed light and open their eyes to the true beauty of
Hackney and all it has to offer.
A vote for me will be a vote
for the future of Hackney.

Candidate
Manifestos:

Io Teng Chang
Shoreditch
Hello! I have lived in Hackney all my life and as a
young person, I can relate well to young people’s
experiences. I am standing because I’m determined
to make Hackney a better place. A good HYP
representative is open-minded to other people’s
views and opinions; which I am.
I have qualities such as being an outstanding role
model, team leader and a confident speaker; I’m
determined to get our voices heard. My objective
is to connect with everyone and my aim is to bring
you what you need. I will not let you down! 110%
commitment is assured from me. We can make
Hackney a better place; together, for the better.
I will travel to schools in Hackney and express
my feelings about youth-violence, disability
and diversity.
I will set up campaigns to open doors for young
people and fight to get more youth clubs for young
people to attend.
Let’s get our voices heard
together, and vote for me!

Christiana Egere
Shoreditch
Hello young people of Hackney!
I am thirteen years old and have lived in hackney for
eleven years of my life. That is more than enough
time to notice how it has changed. I am running to
be an HYP member because I have what it takes to
stand up for what I believe in. I have the confidence
to approach young people like yourselves, and share
your views with other HYP members.
The changes I have noticed in Hackney are the
increase of the amount of young people on the
streets. They say that they’re bored but there are
so many things to do in Hackney, so many youth
groups and activities to attend. So my question is
why? Well I won’t promise anything except that
I will try my best to make youths aware of all the
opportunities available to them in Hackney.
If you want to see change
vote for me!!!

Daniel Ezuma
Shoreditch
‘Wants to inspire young people to become
entrepreneurial at a young age’
I am one of the top achieving student’s at School
and I am trying to start my own business. I
want to change young peoples’ ambitions for
business, including the way adults view aspiring
young entrepreneurs.
If I become a member of the Youth Parliament
I will introduce new schemes to support young
people with their ideas for products and businesses.
I also want to launch a campaign that will
encourage adults to take young people in business
more seriously.
If you vote for me I guarantee that I will do my
best to create these opportunities for young people
because I have a determination which I apply to
everything I do.
I want to change young
peoples’ ambitions for
business, including the way
adults view aspiring young
entrepreneurs.

Mehria Fazli
Shoreditch
My name is Mehria, which means love and kindness.
This is what I want all around us so there is peace.
We can only do this if we have faith and work
together to make it happen. I believe that everyone
has rights no matter what colour, race, and religion
we are. Do you agree?
I have many qualities such as I am creative
and responsible. If you vote for me, I will fight
continuously for:
• More money for school trips, such as for
Haggerston School from the government. I will
get young people to campaign. I will write letters
to the government and start a petition.
• More clubs free for teenagers under 16.
• I will campaign for positive news such as good
GCSE grades in the local media.
If you want change and a safer
multicultural community then
vote for me.

Jerin Mannan
Shoreditch
My name is Jerin am I’m 13. Hackney is my first
home and I know Hackney inside and out. I have a
bubbly and confident personality and love to meet
new people. I believe that every individual no matter
what race, gender, sexuality and personality they
are should have an equal right to be heard. This way
everyone has the opportunity to improve and make
Hackney a lively, fun and friendly place to live in.
What does being a member of parliament actually
mean to you? The person with the most votes or the
person that is most popular? No it’s about having
your voices heard.
“Who believes that Education is important?”
“Who believes that you learn from fun?”
“Who believes in having fun?”
I’ll listen to all your opinions and feelings and make
sure they are heard.
Live, love and breathe
Hackney. Let me be
your voice.

Frankie Ogboru
Shoreditch
Hello my name is Frankie and I have lived in
Hackney for over 15 years, and I am standing
because I have a great passion to make Hackney a
better place to live in.
As a young person in Hackney, I am able to
understand the situations young people go
through such as, violence unemployment, lack of
education and negative media image and I will try
my best to help stop this as I have gained a great
amount of experience in order for me to be an
outstanding representative.
I’ve set goals and expectations for myself, therefore,
I will make positive changes for the future of
Hackney by engaging young people in activities
such as:
• football training for youths under 14
• music production for young people who are
talented and need to express their creative side
• and most important of all I will create new ways
to shape our future
As you can see I am more than determined to make
Hackney better so vote, vote, vote for me!
I have a great passion to
make Hackney a better place
to live in.

Damilola Oke
Shoreditch
My name is Damilola. I go to Haggerston School.
I carry Hackney pride as a place that attracts
different cultures.
However, there are problems affecting our
community such as gang culture and educational
problems. I am calling you to work in hand with me
to solve Hackney’s problems and make it a home
and not a place.
I believe every young person in Hackney has a voice
and that everyone has the opportunity to be heard.
I believe young people have talents that are not
exhibited. If I am elected, I will make sure I work
with the voice of young people.
I will fight for:
1. More youth clubs and holiday schemes
providing young people with social outlets.
2. Ensure young people have better
understanding of politics.
3. The young and older community working
together.
4. Setting up regular community meetings where
a joint effort can be made to sort out our
challenges.
I believe every young person
in Hackney has a voice.

Oladeji Raji
Shoreditch
Hi, my name is Oladeji, but most people call me
DJ. I would like to be your voice. I propose to work
with you for a more SUSTAINABLE Hackney. By
sustainability I mean ensuring that our children
and grandchildren inherit a tomorrow that is at
least as good as today, preferably better. I feel
we need to be more sustainable in our safety, fun
and environment.
These areas deserve to be prioritised because of
the effects of gun and knife crime on Hackney
(safety), taking care of our Hackney, prolonging its
beauty for future generations (environment) and
the continuation and increase in celebrating and
showcasing Hackney’s talents through festivals
and events (fun). These topics affect everyone in
Hackney and I feel I am the right candidate to drive
success through with them.
I believe Hackney has the potential to become a
leading London borough and a world example for
other boroughs to follow.
Creating more places for people to come together
and make friends creating social cohesion and
togetherness, also creating open eco-friendly areas
promoting sustainability. The main drive behind my
manifesto is community spirit!
I believe Hackney has the
potential to become a leading
London borough.

Olajuwon Raji
Shoreditch
I am 14 years old and I am an active forum
member. I believe I have the potential to become
an elected candidate, because I am a responsible,
caring, and approachable person.
I will encourage practical fun activities, which
would give us as young people a chance to make
friends with other young people in the community.
Therefore I will be encouraging young people to use
youth facilities, for example the purple bus.
I shall go to most of my friends and promote youth
facilities, and hopefully they should spread the
word. I want to make Hackney a better place for
everyone of all ethnicities and ages. I will find out
your problems by doing questionnaires and fight to
resolve them.
I want young people to be able to roam about
fearlessly. Don’t you?!
You have the power to make a
difference in Hackney today!

Mahmoudat Sanni-Oba
Shoreditch
Through my dedication and skills I want to make
Hackney better. I want you to think about how
often you hear/read news such as: Hackney youths
win gold medals at the London Youth Games or
another Hackney girl comes second at the world’s
biggest speaking challenge?
The truth is it’s rare. News like this is buried behind
news of stabbings and crimes. I want to make sure
Hackney youths have a voice. We need to broadcast
more about our success in newspapers. How else are
we going to change adult perceptions, if we don’t
show there are more positives than negatives?
I want to be your voice and together we can make
Hackney better.
Finally, I want to ask you the following questions:
Do WE want change? Can WE make Hackney
better? Can WE show the rest of society that WE are
the leaders of tomorrow?
I want to be your voice
and together we can make
Hackney better.

Candidate
Manifestos:

Nadir Abdullahi
Stoke Newington
I believe that I am a good listener, a person who
wants to hear your problems and represent your
feelings. I am a team player who will investigate your
problems and communicate with confidence and
enthusiasm the things that we all believe in.
I am a big thinker and with me a promise is
a promise!
I want to progress Hackney’s reputation by
improving academic resources, supporting youth
projects, and developing young people’s ideas which
I have done since the age of 10.
In 2009 I became a Hackney 2012 Olympic &
Paralympics’ Youth Ambassador which guaranteed
that I worked with young people, since then I have
received training & skills to help me to develop young
people’s future: communications, teamwork, equal
opportunities, leadership, young people’s rights,
Olympic & Paralympics legacy, personal best, film &
media production.
It’s time for a change. I want to see a Hackney where
diverse communities mix showing our diversity and
culture and what we are capable of. What we can
do today will be passed on forever. With my ability,
skills and knowledge I will help change Hackney for a
better and safer future.
Young people are the voice
of tomorrow!

Nicky Famodun
Stoke Newington
One voice can make a difference but a million can
change the world!
My name is Nicky Famodun one of many youths
living in hackney. I’ve been surrounded by
stereotypes, gang culture and poverty. However,
I see beyond these temporary trails we face now.
I’m also surrounded by athletes, leaders and
vision, clearly there is more to hackney than the
media portrays!
I’m an outspoken young leader and I’ll use my
skills to ensure our youthful voices are heard. Not
only heard but my persistency and commitment
will ensure our requests are followed through. Every
youngster should have a chance. Ethnicity, creed
and social background shouldn’t be a determiner!
If we are occupied by our passion then it will redirect
our focus from gang culture and “having nothing to
do” to passionate youngsters with determination
to succeed.
We need a chance to discover what it is we have
burning passion for, more clubs at elite levels. Our
Achievements deserves reward!
I’m an outspoken young
leader and I’ll use my skills
to ensure our youthful voices
are heard.

Jermain Jackman
Stoke Newington
My name is Jermain Jackman and I’m a
singer/songwriter.
You may already have read other manifestos about
the different types of things candidates are going
to say or do to help you. I first would want to know
what you think would have a positive influence on
your community.
I understand that taking on this role comes with
certain responsibilities and serious commitments.
My great communication skills, determination
and enthusiasm will help me do a good job.
Part of my duty will be to listen and act on the
needs of the community and to be pro-active in
forthcoming decisions.
Hackney is one of the most diverse places in London
and we all have different opinions and thoughts
on certain issues so what I propose is that young
people should develop the community by working
together on a regular basis to make a greater and
safer hackney.
I will listen and act on the
needs of the community
and be pro-active in
forthcoming decisions.

Rachel Piper
Stoke Newington
I’ve been a member of Hackney Youth Parliament
(HYP) for two years. I know I’ve made a difference
but there is more to be done. I’ve been active in
many HYP campaigns. I’ve kept my promises to
fight for young people and I am determined to
make things better for you.
As a previous HYP member I understand that it is
not always easy to be heard, but I have worked and
will continue to work hard to represent your views.
Whether your issue is gun and knife crime, health
or difficulties at school, I will do my best to make
sure it is considered by HYP. I will make sure we
find ways to challenge decision makers so that they
really understand what we need and how they can
support us.
Love Hackney? Want to make
it even better?
Vote Rachel Piper.

Anis Sleiman
Stoke Newington
I have always lived in Hackney, but have roots
in other cultures too, so I know it’s possible to
do things differently. I want us kids to have free
swimming, better access to school dinners and
bicycle lanes for cycling safely – like they have
in Germany.
Funny isn’t it? London is host to the Olympics, yet
they want to take away our free swimming for under
16’s. It’s up to the borough to decide – I will work
for you to keep swimming free.
Healthy school meals are important too. But how
often do you spend ages queuing and then giving
up? There are better ways of organising this: I will
find them for you!
I go to Stoke Newington Arts and Media School
and have been a class rep, reported on a school
newspaper and gone to lots of demos.
Vote for Anis Sleiman – Make
Kid’s Concerns Count.

Emmanuel Taiwo
Stoke Newington
Hi!
I am Emmanuel Taiwo but everyone knows me as
TJ. I live in Stoke Newington and in my spare time I
like to get active and help out in my community.
I have helped organise and host a comedy club in
Hackney were young people got to showcase their
unique talents, I have painted benches in Finsbury
Park to help brighten up a local park and I was part
of a very successful art project which was at the
Hackney Carnival.
I am good at management, trained in peer research
and experienced in applying for funding for projects
that will benefit the community. I will use my
experiences to increase the sports diversity as I feel
that not all people are aware of the multitude of
sports and activities such as tennis to free running,
sports which I find amazing. I also want to ensure
that the services and activities in Hackney are
representative in order to accommodate everyone.
I like to get active and help
out in my community.
Vote TJ!

www.
younghackney
.org
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Youth
Inspect rs
The Youth Led Inspections Project wants young people
to help make their services better.
With training and support, young people will inspect,
examine and test out youth clubs and projects and help
to make changes.
YOU CHANGE
• Your youth services
• How managers listen
to you
• Other council services
YOU GET
• Training and
qualifications
• To inspect youth clubs
and projects
• To meet new people
For more information contact
Fiona Porter-Meeks on 020 8356 5339,
email fiona.porter-meeks@hackney.gov.uk or
07972008927.

Hackney’s Area Youth Forums
Hackney has four Youth Forum’s which cover all of Hackney.
These are places where young people get involved in the decisions that affect their local area.
Get involved: Help make your community stronger, more enjoyable and a better place to be.
What the Forums do:
• Take action on local issues, such as creating good
things for young people to do
• Discuss key concerns such as crime and youth
opportunities
• Help improve services for young people
• Have consultations with other young people on the
subjects that matter
• Plan events and put on workshops
• Hold weekly meetings where people can get
together and help shape the agenda in their area
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
Make a difference! Join your Area Youth Forum
Find out more about your nearest Youth Forum
and get details of the next meeting:
For Shoreditch and Stoke Newington, call or text
Mandy on 07527 385680
For Homerton and North East, call or text Cat
on 07527 385 664
Produced by Hackney Design, Communications & Print • July 2010 • PJ42463