Maryam Abduljalil

Strathkelvin and Bearsden

Key Issues

• Education
• Health and wellbeing
• Culture and media

Candidate Profile

Why do you want to be an MSYP?

I want to be an MSYP because I want to learn how the Scottish Youth Parliament works and how young people can have a say in things that affect us. Before applying, I hadn’t really heard much about SYP, so I’d like to learn more and get involved. I think young people can sometimes be left out of conversations about important issues, even when they still affect us. I want to help keep young people informed and give them chances to share their views. I’d also like to represent young people in my area and find out what they actually want from their community. i believe there should also be more opportunities locally for different interests, whether that’s sports, arts, creative activities, volunteering or something completely different.

How will you consult with the young people in your area or organisation to ensure that they are represented well and their voices are heard?

I will make sure there are different ways for young people to share their views, because not everyone likes speaking up in person.
I will contact schools about using things like Microsoft Forms at the start of the school year to find out what young people care about. I’d also have links where people can share their views throughout the year.
I will try to attend or organise events where young people can talk about what they would like to see changed. I’d use the feedback I get to understand different views and make sure I’m representing young people across East Dunbartonshire, not just myself and those around me.

Why should someone vote for you?

I think people should vote for me because I’d listen to young people and take their views seriously, I would find out what young people across East Dunbartonshire actually care about, including people who might not normally speak up.
I want to help keep young people informed about issues that affect us and make sure our views are heard.
I would also also like to help create more local opportunities for young people, with different activities and things to get involved in depending on what people are interested in.
I’d use online forms, links and events to hear people’s views and use what I learn to represent them. I’d take the role seriously and make sure I’m representing more than just myself and the people around me.