A driven student from Ripon Grammar School is stepping onto the political stage, aiming to become a powerful advocate for young people across North Yorkshire. Sarah Jayan, aged 16, is standing as a candidate for the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP), with a mission to translate the concerns of her peers into action at government level.
A Platform for Positive Change
If elected, Sarah will join the UKYP, a platform for over 300 young people aged 11-19, where she will meet MPs, organise campaigns, and ensure youth perspectives are heard by key decision-makers. Her political interest was first sparked during the Covid pandemic and further galvanised by witnessing young activists in Nepal. "It was inspiring to see how people our age stood up for themselves," she said, highlighting what she sees as a "significant lack of youth voices in this country."
Key Campaign Priorities
Sarah's campaign is built on three core pillars designed to address everyday challenges faced by young people:
1. Safer School Commutes: She has spoken to students about overcrowded journeys, noting that many feel scared walking home alone, especially in winter. She advocates for practical solutions like "buddy walking" systems to improve safety and reassure parents.
2. Creating Social Spaces: Sarah believes communities thrive when young people have dedicated places to connect. "Positive spaces build confidence, friendships, and resilience. They are not optional extras," she argues, calling for more venues where young people can meet and feel valued.
3. Support for Post-16 Choices: Identifying this as a crucial turning point, Sarah wants every young person to feel equipped for their next steps. She stresses the need for clear guidance, real career exposure, and accessible information on apprenticeships and educational pathways to build confidence and ambition.
Driven Candidate with Diverse Experience
Beyond her campaign, Sarah is an active member of her school's debating society and helped found a start-up through the Young Enterprise scheme. She also volunteers in a local charity shop and plays badminton and tennis. Currently studying Maths, Art, and English Literature at A-level, she plans to pursue computer science after leaving Ripon Grammar School.
Voting for the UK Youth Parliament elections begins in mid-January and continues until the end of February. Sarah, who has been shortlisted as a candidate for the West area of North Yorkshire, is now urging her peers to engage and make their voices count.
