United Kingdom Youth Parliament

By Debra Chown

 

Georgina Blenkin, aged 12, candidate

From the 1st to the 5th of February elections were held across the United Kingdom. Georgina Blenkin was running for the position.

What is Youth Parliament?
Youth Parliament is where kids aged 11 - 16 can have their say in how the UK is run.

When did you get involved with Youth Parliament?
In November 2009 my form tutor was reading out a notice and he told me that he thought I would be quite good so I went to Mrs Logan-Winters and she helped me fill out the form to enter.

Why did you get involved?
I thought it would be a good experience and I would find it fun plus I had lots of ideas for how to make Wakefield better.

Where is Youth Parliament?
We meet at City Limits in the centre of Wakefield but Youth Parliament is spread across the country.

What are you going to do if you win?
I’m going to get kids off the streets to make Wakefield safer.

How and when can others get involved?
Anyone else who wants to be involved with Youth Parliament should receive a notice from form tutors in November giving details about how to apply.

Would you advise others to get involved and if so why?
Yes, so that they can make Wakefield better.

Do you enter by yourself or do you get in teams?
You enter by yourself but your friends can help you.

Do you think you will apply next year?
Yes, it’s a great experience.

Will you get anything out of it even if you don’t win?
Yes, you can still stay involved to make Wakefield better, you can travel with Youth Parliament and it can go on your CV.

What have you done in Youth Parliament so far?
We had a silent disco which was really fun, confidence boosting with Yew Tree drama club and lunch with Ed Balls. Plus so much more.

What is Youth Parliament going to do in the future?
We will be going travelling to London and Belgium hopefully and we continue to make Wakefield better for the kids.

If you decide to get involved with Youth Parliament, do you have to run for the position or can you just be involved?
You can just help out the candidates running for the position and put ideas forward.

 

For more information on Youth Parliament: http://www.wakiesworld.com/wakefield-central