Young people within Portsmouth are brimming with potential, and it is time to harness that to drive positive change. That’s the message from Lesley Otitoju, a pupil from The Portsmouth Academy who is campaigning to be the city’s Member of Youth Parliament.
Lesley, from Year 10, is kicking off her campaigning for votes this week by leading assemblies for every year group.
Each assembly has had a focus on democracy, equality, inclusion, and the importance of being a voice for young people within the school and the city.
She has an ambitious plan to represent young people across Portsmouth, saying: “I plan to develop environmental stewardship among the young people of this city and campaign for the implementation of eco-friendly practices in schools and local communities, while also advocating for the integration of environmental education into the curriculum.”
The aspiring Member of Youth Parliament is also passionate about seeing a push for increased funding and resources to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, and has a plan to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives across schools and community programmes within Portsmouth.
She said: “Everyone has something they want to say and wish to be heard, and I believe I am that person to listen to what young people have to say about things that matter to them in Portsmouth.
“Thank you to everyone at The Portsmouth Academy for your support. It’s been quite an honour to have the opportunity to present to year groups and share my campaign to be the representative for young people.”
Mr. Lock, Assistant Principal for Personal Development at The Portsmouth Academy, says the school are behind Lesley every step of the way.
He said: “Lesley is an inspiration to so many pupils across our school and the wider Portsmouth community. Her drive, charisma, and passion to be a voice for young people do not go unnoticed, and we are proud of what she is working hard to achieve.
“At TPA, we teach our pupils about the importance of democracy and individual liberty – to feel free to say what you believe – and what Lesley is doing here, with her campaigning and votes, is an example of putting those values into practice while working hard to achieve her aspirations.”
