INFORMAL: with Sogand Shaker member of UK Youth Parliament

March 8, 2012

Entertainment , Politics , Iranians in Diaspora

Following a recent News Article, many UK residents of Iranian heritage are now proud and excited to hear about the victory of Sogand Shaker as one of the two representatives for London Borough of Barnet on the UKYP (UK Youth Parliament). Sogand earned the second highest vote count among 31 local candidates. She talked about this with Kodoom.com:

Sogand Shaker, Member of Youth Parliament in UK

Kodoom.com: When did you immigrate from Iran? and what part of Persian culture do you cherish?

Sogand: I was five when my parents moved to England from Iran. I maintain my ties to the Iranian community. I love Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian herbs stew) and I have visted Iran many times to see relatives and enjoy sightseeing in Iran. I appreciate your website's report about my nomination and the help of the community in my victory.

Kodoom.com: Your main career aspiration is to become a lawyer. When and how did you decide to run for YP and how did you win in such a crowded and competitive field?

Sogand: I was not much into politics before but since the age of 11 I have been involved in various youth activities and I have been an active member of the Barnet Youth Board. I am currently studying A-Level at Dame Alice Owen’s school and I feel the encouragement to be independent and responsible has particularly helped me develop the confidence to speak out about my views.

At first my lack of knowledge about politics scared me, but with determination to succeed I worked hard to researched the relevant areas and developed my understanding of local issues. Then, I went on to campaign in the local area, including churches, other primary and secondary schools and Iranian schools (Rustam and Andisheh). They were all supportive and wonderful. Election results show that I received a lot more votes from outside my school than my opponents. I owe my victory to community and family support and hard work.

Kodoom.com: What are your plans for the Youth Parliament? How does it work from here??

Sogand: Members of YP from all boroughs and regions take part in various debates, discussing topics which we feel are currently affecting the youth. For example one prominent issue right now is the closure of Youth Centers which service foster children and those with disabilities, another is the issue of public transport. Following local debates and the brainstorming of ideas, all MYPs will attend the annual YP sitting in the House of Commons, where a number of key national topics of high urgency will be discussed. Decisions and resolutions of this meeting will then be put forward and decisions will be made with regards to whichever issues we find are most important.

One of my campaign promises was to increase youth voice at local level (local council), another was to connect local businesses with schools to encourage them to employ young people. Last year I worked a part time job in a store in central London, which I found was a great experience, despite not being related to Law. It helped be learn how to behave in the work place and become more responsible. It opened a lot of doors for me in the world of business and jobs, and I realised businesses are indeed searching for reliable and talented young people but have no easy way to find or verify them. I believe schools can play a key role in creating such a liaison with local businesses.

My term as MYP is for one year and I cannot run again next year because I will be over 18, but in some boroughs now they allow multiple-year terms for MYPs.

Sogand Shaker (Middle) Receiving a Public Speaking Challenge Award

Kodoom.com: Your message for other immigrant families especially Iranians and their children?

Sogand: Interest in public services, volunteering, politics and social work may not seem easy at first but I highly suggest that young people participate in these activities because they will open many doors for them and other young people. I’d particularly encourage them to go through their school councils and have an active role in their local youth groups and boards. I aim to inspire other young people to take an interest. As a thank you to the supporters from Rustam Persian School I returned to save shirinee (victory cake!) To my delight, a younger Iranian boy from Camden informed me that he is now a candidate for his borough and it feels great that already someone has followed my steps and is taking an active part and is prepared to put himself out there, to make a chance. It’s a great thing to do and I wish him the best of luck.

I would like to thank Kodoom.com for spreading the news about my candidacy and such great and independent coverage.

Also in INFORMAL Series:

»This is a summary of the original feature in Farsi. To request a more extensive translation of the Farsi text, please contact us.

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