Last Monday, a group of 25 A-level Politics students attended a Youth Summit at Leeds City Council organised by Leeds Beckett University. The students prepared speeches on local issues which they then delivered in the council chamber and completed an exercise on the difficult challenge of making local spending decisions.
The students met a multitude of leaders in the area, including the MP for Leeds Central and Headingley Alex Sobel, the Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Choen, Labour Councillors Mohammed Rafique and Kayleigh Brooks, and Green Councillor Tim Goodall.
Lower Sixth Politics student Maryam Arif, spoke about the day: 'Last Monday, our group visited Leeds Beckett University for the Leeds Youth Summit, a day designed to help young people understand how local and national government works, which proved to be an inspiring and equally eye-opening event. We were warmly welcomed by Councillor Tim Goodhall from the Green Party, who set an encouraging tone for the day. We then met Alex Sobel, the local MP, who spoke passionately about his work in Parliament and invited us to ask questions. Councillor Kayleigh Brooks followed with an insightful explanation of her role in local government, openly discussing current issues and challenges. We also heard from Councillor Mohammed Rafiq, an LCC executive member, who shared valuable perspectives on his responsibilities. One of the highlights was a role-play activity simulating a community committee finance meeting, which gave us a realistic understanding of the complex decisions councillors must make. Our visit to the Town Hall was equally memorable, especially when we presented 30-second speeches in the Council Chamber on key youth concerns. With thoughtful feedback from Councillor Helen Hayden and a relaxing lunch at the Rose Bowl Café, the day ended on a truly positive note.'
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