The project supports young refugees and asylum seekers to have their say and campaigns on issues that affect their lives.
I work in Manchester with about 20 young people who have identified higher education access as an issue. Asylum seekers are currently charged international student fees, although they have no right to work and no access to loans, so we have been lobbying universities for equal access.
My role is to co-ordinate sessions and training to help the group deliver their campaign. They have made presentations to universities, MPs and Princess Anne, Save the Children's patron. They also asked a local MP to table an early day motion and have set up a petition on the Downing Street website asking the Prime Minister to change policy on fees. We have also been to Edinburgh to meet Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, to talk about policy changes in Scotland.
I have always wanted to be involved with supporting asylum seekers and refugee communities. I have language teaching experience and a postgraduate qualification in youth and community work has helped me to understand the needs of marginalised groups in culturally diverse environments.
It can be a challenge to manage young people's expectations when undertaking such ambitious campaigns. Balancing group and individual needs can be difficult. However, it's extremely rewarding to see how they've matured into skilled and confident advocates. They're always enthusiastic and dedicated despite the challenges they face.
I would like to strengthen links with other organisations so young people can spread the word about the campaign and its positive achievements so far.
