Primary Election 2009 Archive

THEODORA ADENIYI

My priorities

• Reducing crime
• Increasing provision of sports facilities
• Being a good Young Mayor for you

My vision
I would like to be Young Mayor of Newham because young people have things to say. I want to be that person who represents your voice in Newham. Elect me as Young Mayor and I promise to make a difference.

I believe that there is a lack of facilities in Newham. There needs to be more facilities because the Olympics is coming. More facilities means young people would be healthy and active.

I have new ideas that will keep Newham safer as a community. The stabbings in Newham are despicable. Young people have lost their lives due to other children being disrespectful. What is the point in letting others lose their licence to live? Killing a person is like killing Newham as we are all one.

I believe that I should be the next Young Mayor of Newham. We are a family.

MY VOICE, YOUR VOTE!!

USMAN AFSAR

My priorities

• Bring more fun in Newham for adults and children
• Bring healthy eating to Newham
• Stop crime and help those who do wrong take the right path

My vision
I want to be Young Mayor of Newham so I can make life easier for everyone.

I will try to stop crime and stop people losing their lives. Then Newham will change for the better. If all of us try to work together and then some of us don't, it makes it harder to do anything for Newham. Do you want Newham to be a crime-free place? Then start by voting for me.

I will try my best and I will do what I can for you. If you vote for me I could do anything for Newham but just test me by voting for me please. I will do what I can but you will also need to help me. Please don't ruin Newham. Please try your best and give me your vote.

And I will try my best to give everyone a gigantic smile by giving you a better Newham.

OLUWASEYI AJOSE

My priorities

• Help stamp out youth crime on the streets
• Activities young people will go to
• More sporting facilities

My vision
I, Oluwaseyi Ajose, am an independent individual who is willing to work together with other people to make Newham a better place.

I would first like to stamp out crime on the streets, so I would like to go out with others and speak to those who do crime and try and talk them out of doing it.

I would also like to ensure there are facilities for young people to excel in sports. The 2012 Olympics is coming up and it will help us inspire young people to get more active and out of crime.

Having activities and clubs that young people will actually go to will also help lower crime, gangs, drugs and teenage pregnancies.

Most of you may not know me but I promise I will do everything in my power to make a positive change in Newham.

Together - WE CAN DO THIS!!!

TANYEL AKINTUG

My priorities

• Tackle gun and knife crime
• Drug abuse
• Stop street gangs hanging around Newham

My vision
I want to make a change for the better, tray and stop all the street gangs, the gun and knife crimes and most of all the drug abuse.

Young people need more to do, to keep them occupied. We need more free and fun activities.

Young people's views are very important and therefore should be heard. I can be your voice to make your dreams come true. We need a change!!

MASUMA AKTAR

My priorities

• More youth activities to keep young people off the street
• Reduce road accidents by reducing congestion
• Help protect the environment by helping people recycle

My vision
Can we do it? Yes we can!! Anything is possible… because we have a dream. Everybody has a vision for a better Newham. My vision is to represent all young people to make sure our voices are heard LOUD AND CLEAR!!

Some of the things I would like to achieve if I become Young Mayor include making sure there are more youth facilities that WE want. This would keep young people off the streets and help to reduce crime and drug abuse. I would also like to reduce road accidents by decreasing congestion.

Another issue in Newham is not enough is being done to make young people aware of recycling. More recycling bins should be put into schools and colleges.

Together we can make a difference that really counts. Can we do it?? Yes we can!! Anything is possible.

ANITA ASAMOAH

My priorities

• Encourage recycling
• Achieve a community where young people are safe and feel as one
• Encourage young people to stay in school and do well

My vision
I believe that I can be a suitable and worthy Young Mayor as I have the passion and zeal to be a part of making progression occur in Newham - I feel that I will not only listen but I will carry out the visions and voice of young people.

I strongly think that if we can join together with one voice and create a clean, comfortable and sound community, we can achieve all round satisfaction of the citizens who live here - especially young people. Issues such as recycling, and post code wars are ones that I will try my best to improve.

However it's not about me, it's about us working together to achieve a society we are proud of. Vote for me, vote for change.

TANEEM ATHMAN

My priorities

• Help change the way young people live
• Getting people out and about in the summer
• Bringing Newham together as a community

My vision
By choosing me to become your Young Mayor of Newham, I can change the way you live. If you have a dream I can help you achieve your dreams and your goals.

I can try my very best and hardest to stop child abuse, kidnappings and all other kind of terrible things like that.

I want to change the lives of younger people. I am different and unique. I listen. I understand. I am also committed to my work. I can talk to younger and older people in Newham and the whole community.

OUR VOICES SHOULD BE HEARD!!!

MARIAM AZIM

My priorities

• Enhance youth clubs and leisure centres
• Tackle gun and knife crime
• Raise awareness of environmental issues and push for more recycling especially in shops and schools

My vision
If I became the next Young Mayor I would want to change our society and people's views about Newham. I strongly believe that gun and knife crime is a big problem in Newham. So I have decided that if I became the next Young Mayor I will enhance youth clubs and leisure centres so that young people enjoy themselves as well as being safe at these places.

Also, recycling is another big issue. For example, some shops just throw rubbish outside their shops. The same happens outside houses. Therefore I have decided to have far more recycling bins so they can put in all their rubbish.

I strongly believe that I have the potential to become your Young Mayor. I may be a small girl but don't be fooled by my appearance.

So vote for Mariam! Better Newham, brighter future!

VANESSA BOACHIE-APPAU

My priorities

• To find hidden talents in Newham
• Educate the uneducated
• Collaborate with different cultures

My vision
To become Young Mayor of Newham would be a fantastic opportunity to represent the young people of Newham in a positive way. This privilege will enable me to co-operate with others that agree: together, we can make Newham the best community! Most importantly - a place where everyone loves to be.

I am a hard-working student who collaborates well with everyone. I have a great passion for this role, and my aims are to discover hidden talents within the borough of Newham, educate the uneducated and make interactions with different cultures. I could go on about all my qualities however this is not just about me. As Young Mayor, I would listen to the views of others and be the main voice for our borough.

The impossible IS possible but only with your vote!

NADIA CHOUDHURY

My priorities

• Letting young people have their voices heard
• New facilities for young people
• Improve job opportunities

My vision
The Young Mayor elections are a tremendous opportunity for young people of Newham to engage in an important and meaningful process. This is why I am standing as the representative and voice for not only the young men but most importantly young women who have an important role to play in our development.

Being at school and listening to so many of my friends across all society, I know I am able to speak on behalf of my fellow peers.

My main priority is improving the facilities Newham offers young people such as youth clubs and sports centres. This will help young people stay involved indoors rather than outdoors which will help eradicate crime. My next priority is to improve the job prospects for young people and enabling them to understand the financial world and preparing them for the future.

Learning together, achieving together and succeeding together. Thank you.

TASNIM CHOUDHURY

My priorities

• Increased opportunities for the youth of Newham
• Under 18 employment and volunteer work
• Decreasing youth crime

My vision
Who's making all the decisions? Is it you? Those are the questions I asked myself and to be honest, I didn't like the answers. That's why I'm asking you, the youth of Newham to join me whilst I try to make a realistic, yet positive change.

Young people must get increased opportunities so they can reach their full potential. Young people must be able to feel safe in their area. Young people must make their voices heard!

OUR TIME, OUR FUTURE… IN OUR HANDS!

PETER CORRIETTE

My priorities

• Free secondary school meals
• Get young people communicating together
• Safer streets

My vision
It's our time! The era of young people is fast approaching. I want to represent the young people, I want to represent you!

As I wondered what I wanted to change I came up with three points: food, talk and safety! I would love to get free school meals for secondary schools since I feel this would provide young people energy for the day. I would also like to get young people together talking and having fun. This would be done by more fun events and also free youth centre access. If allowed to I would want to form a bond with young people to make our streets safer.

Make 2009/10 the year of young people - it's our time!

KAYCEE DE BELEN

My priorities

• Bring to light gun and knife crime campaigns
• Encourage and support involvement in youth-led events
• Tackle recycling and cleaner streets in beneficial ways for young people

My vision
Determination and drive. These are the qualities which I have to bring about positive change within our community as Young Mayor.

As a proactive volunteer, I know and see the constructive actions and the passionate intentions of our young people and want to do away with negative set-backs. I feel very deeply about gun and knife crime and will definitely raise awareness and continue to campaign about this saddening issue which seems to be holding back our young people. I will tackle recycling and cleaner streets in motivating ways which will be beneficial for young people.

I aspire to not only deliver the voice of young people but to convey the views and actions wanted. I know I cannot make change alone but with your vote behind me I know we can. I strongly believe that this is an opportunity which needs to be grasped with both hands. So please put your trust in my hands.

AMBEREEN DESAI

My priorities

• Give every young person a voice
• Make the streets of Newham safer
• Get everyone involved in the community

My vision
Because I feel strongly about young people, being Young Mayor would allow my vision to give you all a voice to come true.

In the media, we are often portrayed as thugs but is that who we really are? No, it's just a name some teenagers feel they have to live up to. We should stop the stereotype, look at the causes of young people's behaviour and start in the areas where young people feel UNSAFE! We can even work with youth offenders to show how crime can ruin your life…

Getting us involved in more community activities keeps us off the street so I will ask young people what they need. As we know graffiti is a problem so why not create an area where young people can express their talents and face no consequences?

A VOTE for me is a vote for a VOICE!

SHAMEENA EDOO

My priorities

• A cleaner Newham by making it easier for people to improve the environment
• A safer Newham by providing more youth facilities to keep people off the streets
• A better Newham by improving travel and other things that can improve the quality of life of our young people

My vision
I want to become the Young Mayor as I want to make sure that every young person's voice is heard. I'm also very confident, capable and persistent.

I'm not the only one with big ideas to improve our place. In fact, I'm sure that every young person wants to make a difference. For example, I want to change people's views about the environment. But I want to make the changes fair. To do this I want to hear young people's views about the environment, how much they care for it, and what they want us to do to make it better. I mean if we start making the place safer, cleaner and better it will be easier for others to always keep it the same.

We make the start and opportunities will be endless. Better, cleaner, safer - NEWHAM!

IMRAN HUSSAIN

My priorities

• Fun for young people! More facilities to chill out in
• Tackle crime! Help young people feel safe
• Better future for young people! More facilities to encourage success in life

My vision
Vote 4 'lyf' Vote 4 me!

My name is Imran Hussain. I want to be Young Mayor because I want all of my ideas and the ideas I've heard from young people to be heard! I'm determined, passionate and extremely hard-working! I'll get YOUR voice heard!

Young people are stressed. School, parents, exams and crime are some of the challenges we face. If elected, I will help young people to ENJOY 'lyf' by introducing more leisure facilities. Swimming, cycling and musical opportunities are part of this agenda.

Also I would help young people to achieve success in 'lyf'; I'd help them get a great education and create career opportunities. Finally I want young people to LIVE 'lyf'; I'd work my hardest, if elected to reduce youth crime so we can live life without fear.

Remember, a vote 4 me is a vote for 'lyf'

MUZACKIR HUSSAIN

My priorities

• Recycling
• Crime
• Equality

My vision
My dream for Newham is for it to advance. If elected as your Young Mayor, I will try my best to represent your views to the borough and to the City of London.

In the time I have, I wish to make recycling easier. Have you ever wondered what this planet will be like in the future?

I want to tackle crime as well. You may have been a victim of crime. So have I. THIS MUST STOP!

I would also like for us young people to be equal with adults. Simply because I believe adults can learn from young people in the same way that young people learn from adults.

I am a good listener and a good representative. With your support we can change Newham and put a smile on people's faces.

Together we can smile. Together we can change. So vote for me, Muzackir Hussain.

ESTHER IDIONG

My priorities

• Exciting lessons in schools
• Free aerobics and Steps lessons outside school
• Better employment and job opportunities

My vision
Do you find your school lessons dull and boring? Well I plan on changing all that by making your lessons much more FUN, FLEXIBLE AND EXCITING! Lessons need to be more EXPLOSIVE!

Remember education is the key to success and it will open all the doors, to an enriching future full of prospects and more job opportunities for our young people. It is all about EMPOWERING our young generation for a future that will be as bright as the stars!

As we all know our young peoples' waist lines are growing far too BIG - therefore I would also like to introduce aerobics or dance classes for free to all the young people of Newham.

Remember, to raise your voice to choice by voting for Esther Idiong…You won't be disappointed!

ADAM ISHTIAQ-SHEIKH

My priorities

• Creating a safer environment
• Reduce the amount of waste and pollution
• Improving facilities for young people

My vision
If I were to become Young Mayor, I would make it my dream to use the opinion of young people to create a better place to live. Young people are the future prospects of the world who need a caring place to live.

By reducing the amount of youth crime and violence, I hope to create a safer place to live. The air that we breathe is precious to us, yet pollution levels are very high - this needs to be stopped to give young people a better place to live!

Telling young people about how waste can be reduced would make a cleaner, happier Newham! I also wish to improve facilities for young people as it would make people much happier and smile more!

I may be young but I have high hopes and views for our community. Together I hope to create a better place to live.

AADILAH ISMAIL

My priorities

• Improve recycling to keep rubbish off the streets
• Keep roads safe
• Reduce drug abuse

My vision
Do you think Newham is the best it can be? No.

If I have the opportunity to be elected as Young Mayor, I would reduce drug abuse amongst the youth and young adults, as these days teenagers destroy their lives due to drugs.

I would also try my very hardest to ensure that roads are safer for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists, knowing that many many young people are involved in tragic accidents every year. Come on, I'm sure you've heard about people in London getting run over or being close to getting hit by a vehicle every month!

Please throw your rubbish in the bin! Stress and spread the word to recycle. Newham can't take more rubbish.

Young people demand a better future but it's up to us as a community to fight for a better future. Remember a vote for me is a vote to protect our young people.

ANJULI KAUR

My priorities

• Improve extra-curricular activities so that there is something for everyone to enjoy
• Develop an understanding of knife crime to help reduce it
• You! You yourself are a priority for me and I hope to help you make something of your life

My vision
What does every young person want? A safe environment, where they can feel they belong and have exciting opportunities to make their childhood memories excel in every way. As Young Mayor this will be my main focus.

I will strive to improve young people's lives, not in any specific way but in the way they want it.

I will get young people involved in Newham and make it an environment that "we" can feel proud of and feel valued.

"Today's youth but tomorrow's future." This is for you. Make it happen!

LUCKY KAUR

My priorities

• Street crime
• Activities for young people
• Make Newham a better and cleaner place

My vision
Dear young people,

I want to make a difference to young people and by making it a better place to live in and improve it.

When I become the Young Mayor, I will listen to your opinions and try my best to do it. Also, I'll try to stop street knife crime, by having youth activities to try to decrease street crime and tell young people how it will affect people around them and their families and our community. Also I'm going to change Newham by making it a cleaner and better place to live in by improving it.

"Vote for a better future, vote for a brighter future, vote for a Lucky future".

AISHA KHAN

My priorities

• More employment opportunities for young people!
• Curbing knife crime and eliminating stereotypes against young people!
• More healthy sports and entertainment activities!

My vision
Make me your Young Mayor, as I care about you!

I want to provide young people with more employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. We're constantly told we're a stigma on society - we've got to prove this wrong together!
We're all affected by crime in one way or another. We can beat the stereotypes together by tackling crime and proving it has no room in our society!

We're the future! But we're pushed aside, it's time to tell people that we're not followers, we're leaders! It's time to strive ahead together for a BETTER future, for OUR future . . .

So vote for me, Aisha. HELP ME TO HELP YOU TO HELP US!

AMEENA KHAN

My priorities

• I want our borough making a difference to the environment
• I want young people feeling confident enough to feel they can achieve our dreams
• I want schools to be stricter on bullying

My vision
What is the point of having one of the biggest events in Newham, the 2012 Olympics, if we don't make the most of it?

Firstly, I want people to do things at home to help the environment e.g. switch off their lights and recycle, simple ideas that make a difference.

I'm not your normal candidate, I don't want to say I'm going to stop gun crime because it is not something you can achieve in a year. Instead I want you, young people to have the confidence and ambition to achieve your goals and dreams.

Bullying has to STOP! It is no joke making people feel like they are nothing, schools need to be stricter on bullying, they need more severe punishments for bullies, they also need to get straight to the point. STOP BULLYING.

Be known, shine through.

SHABAR KHAWAJA

My priorities

• Make the voices of young people heard
• More educational activities that are enjoyable
• Help young people who are less motivated

My vision
Let me be your voice. Although this is the third election for Newham's Young Mayor I feel that there is still a struggle for young people's voices to be heard. I feel that there is a gap between young people and the council and as Young Mayor I believe I can bridge this gap by making the council understand what young people want.

I feel that young people need more activities to blow off some steam. They need activities that are fun and educational. I feel a go-kart track would be ideal for this as it is fun. It also teaches young people about engineering and can stop joy-riding without a licence.

This is one of the many ideas that I have. With your vote, we can make this happen. We can make it a better Newham. Let me be your voice!

VANESSA MARTINS

My priorities

• Improve transport
• More young people attending youth clubs
• Giving people equal opportunities to be listened to

My vision
The most important thing needed in our borough is improvement.

After all, school transport is poor and needs to be improved.

More people need to be attending the sports clubs we already have instead of making new ones! We are very lucky to have sports facilities all year around but nobody notices them.

Another problem is that not all the young people of Newham have an opportunity to give their opinions. Especially those people who are a distance apart and cannot talk face-to-face with the council. And sometimes e-mails and phone calls aren't the best way. There should be alternative ways of getting views across like forums and social networking sites.

I'm very passionate about Newham and it would be best for our borough to be improved to make it that bit better for us young people to live in.

Make this the year of improvement!

ALI MEMAR

My priorities

• Find out what young people care about
• Open youth clubs that cater to the talents of young people
• Reduce crime that involves young people

My vision
If I was to become Young Mayor, I will make sure that Newham is not known as a community that tries and failed but a community that succeeded in tackling young people's problems.

I believe that the media focuses too much on the negative stereotypes that target today's young people. I aim to make Newham better than it already is so that it's a better place for you. I hope to change all negative stereotypes and make the media publish something good for once.

I know it is crucial that all your voices are heard.

I am Ali Memar and I will be the voice… so that you can be the change.

ABDULKADIR MUNIE

My priorities

• Let us reduce stereotypes - young people should not be treated like criminals
• Advertise the fun and exciting activities Newham has to offer
• Showcase our talents, let's celebrate our achievements

My vision
I live in a community where possibilities are endless. Newham offers a range of activities for all. Let's get rid of the cliché that we need more activities and embrace what is already on offer. The message - get involved! Advertise that there is plenty to do and there is bound to be something for everyone.

I have been an active member of this community for years. I am driven to change and passionate about the community I live in. Young people are bursting with energy and talent, so showcase it!

I want you to feel safe and prosper. Fulfil your dreams and remember your life is Newham.

Whoever you are, wherever you come from we are all one!

What's my vision? It's what you want so let's make change together!!

VANESSA OLUSESAN

My priorities

• Occupy children's time with activities
• Listen to what they want
• Help young people understand that education is the key

My vision
As Young Mayor, I would want to develop the role further to make a positive change on our community, breaking down stereotypes of young people and influence the people with their back to the wall.

I will use the skills I already have as an individual and widen myself to communicate with people from all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to hear their views. It's important to ask people that live and work in Newham because that's where they spend most of their time.

I am an active member in my school and work closely with my peers and teachers. I have a lot to offer as an individual but strongly believe no person is successful without a team behind them.

We might be small as people but as a community we can make a big difference. Communication, co-operation and control keeps a community going.

Your say your community.

KISHAN PATEL

My priorities

• Advertise more activities for young people
• Get more youth clubs
• Keep Newham clean

My vision
My name is Kishan Patel. I am standing for Young Mayor this year because I think I am a responsible and trustworthy young man.

My main priority is to advertise more activities for young people to do. I am NOT getting new activities into new and fresh buildings. I think we should save money and use places that are forgotten in Newham for the activities. This helps to save a whole amount of money.

By doing this, I want to help keep activities free for children and young people. They could stop being bored. This could reduce the amount of crime in Newham.

Remember me, remember my priorities and finally remember to vote for KISHAN PATEL. Just remember the name.

TABASSUM PATEL

My priorities

• Reduce the amount of crime
• Find new activities for young people in Newham to keep them entertained
• Make Newham a cleaner place

My vision
I want to become the Young Mayor of Newham because after noticing what young people are affected by, I wish to make a huge change to their lives. I will be the voice that speaks out for them, and I intend on converting Newham into a safer, sounder borough.

My dream is to satisfy every young person in Newham I will ensure this by getting out in the community, speaking to people and fulfilling their needs. Also, the level of knife crime is unacceptable. Killing one innocent person is like killing an entire community. I am determined for Newham to be spick 'n' span and together we will do this with a smile on our face.

If you vote for me, you will stop dreaming and start achieving!

QASEEM RAFIQUE

My priorities

• Stop youth crime and the use of illegal drugs
• Make Newham a cleaner and better place by improving the recycling services
• Open interesting activities to keep young people off the streets

My vision
As Young Mayor I will be the voice of all young people in the borough. I will make sure all the young people and the quiet ones' ideas are taken into account to make Newham a better place to live.

I will open activities and youth clubs for all young people and who want to make a positive change and help to keep them off the streets. I will raise the big issues including education and crime to support young people and help them succeed.

I want them to say they are happy to live in Newham and they are glad to say that they are in the right place.

MORI SADIQ

My priorities

• Ending post code wars
• Giving young people a motive - sporting projects, youth incentives
• Bridging the gaps between ages

My vision
Ruthless compassion. Achievable standards. Substantial change. In the words of Harper Lee; 'you never know how a man feels until you stand in his shoes'. As a young person I see first hand the problems that we face; so being in the midst of the problem and solution that if we work together on, we can make a change.

As the community of Newham we should not be divided by postcodes but united as a borough. Having a motive can encourage us teenagers to aim high so as Young Mayor I will encourage young people to get off the streets and get involved in the community by starting inclusion projects. Young people are often blamed for many of society's problems but ignorance is the main cause of the blame. So by allowing other age groups to understand young people we can bridge the gap between adults and young people.

Young Mayor x Young People = Big Change

SHATARUPA SAHA

My priorities

• Fewer knife and gum crimes and more policing / security careers
• Allocate more police officers at the right places and the right time
• To listen to everything our generation has to say to me, and work on them, to my best ability

My vision
A 14-year old guy got stabbed to death this summer. Right here in 1 of our parks. All over a mobile phone. Security. 1 thing in Newham I have to change. Killing one innocent teenager is like assassinating a whole community.

I will ask you what specific places you feel the most unsafe, and at what times of the day. I will allocate more police officers at the places you want them to be. I will make sure you feel safe, and not be scared to go to the corner shop to get your phone topped up. Also, I want to promote more local policing courses so more of us take up these jobs.

You love knives become a chef. You love guns become a police officer.

I will help you. Help me, I really need your vote to make all of this happen. Please, please, please, vote for me!!

FAEEZA SALIM

My priorities

• Increase recycling and have separate bins for different types of rubbish
• More clubs, organisations and activities to occupy young people
• Increase facilities for Newham families

My vision
I would like to be Young Mayor because I strongly believe that I have the potential to be one. I am committed and willing to change the future for young people; I would like to bring more smiles to the borough and happy faces for all different age groups. I am a good public speaker and am willing to listen to all ideas and try and fulfil all requirements. I'm tolerant and an approachable person, I can be persuasive but am ready to listen to you agreeing or disagreeing with your point of view.

If I become the Young Mayor I will be an organised, passionate and determined person.

Our borough, our decision.

SAIBA SIDDIQ

My priorities

• Everyone deserves a friend
• Bullying (behaviour)
• Pleasant environment i.e. happiness

My vision
I want to become Young Mayor because I want to make a difference. I want to take action on the small things which make a big difference.

I have seen and experienced many foul things in life. I don't want the same things to happen to anyone else.

Look at the population of Newham; now imagine how many young people face misery. Well if I become Young Mayor I would put a smile on every child's face because I care. I care because I feel everyone deserves a friend.

I believe that young people should be treated equally no matter what their circumstances. I want to make a difference. Make a difference too.

NATASHA SIVADASAN

My priorities

• Stop crime and violence on the streets
• Affordable activities for children
• Safe place for children 24/7

My vision
I would love to be your Young Mayor because I am determined to make a difference. I have lived in Newham all my life and I love it... it is my home and the community, my family.

There are many positive things in Newham but also terrible things that happen. I have watched as my friends and I have suffered. People I love have been hurt because of the crime and violence on the streets of Newham. My aims are to keep the kids of Newham safe. Centres open 24 hours for children who have nowhere to go at night, who have stormed out, who are angry.

Affordable activities that all children can participate in, organised trips where people can meet and bring our community together. These are things we need! We need to be sociable. We need to be safe! Please help me make Newham a better place!

NATALIE SMORTHIT

My priorities

• Encourage young people to think about their future jobs and careers
• Reduce gun and knife crime across Newham
• Increase awareness of the talent of Newham's young people

My vision
I have a dream! Dreams can often be seen as far-fetched, but they can also be fulfilled. I hope to try and make a positive change. I would like to reduce street crime by trying to involve the youths in more fun and exciting community events.

We live in a diverse Newham bursting full of life and talent. So I feel that we need to influence the people to show Newham what they're capable of. This is my dream! My dream to unite a diverse Newham.

We need to unite together. It's all about change. As a young person I feel that there are not ample job opportunities for under-18s. So I will target this by encouraging young people to think about their future opportunities by giving an insight into different fields of work. And keep kids out of trouble and off the streets.

LOUIS KISITU

My priorities

• Making Newham safer - working with community organisations
• Keeping Newham green - more recycle bins and normal bins
• More opportunities to play different sports - tennis, grass, hockey

My vision
I, Louis Kisitu want to become Young Mayor of Newham, because I want to see a safer Newham, by working with the police to make a big difference to the lives of the young people who live in Newham. As I intend to get drugs and knives off the streets. I also intend to keep Newham very green to keep the health of NEWHAM in balance and make a difference to the young and old people of Newham.

Young people also need more of a choice, when they want to pick a sport. I feel I could give young people the chance to play the sports they desire. If I were Newham's Young Mayor you would see, smell, taste and hear a positive difference in Newham, if you vote for me!

FALLAK TABASSUM

My priorities

• Reduce racism across society
• Raise awareness for women's rights
• Raise awareness for the problems of using fossil fuels

My vision
I wish to become Young Mayor because I don't want to die.

The world's going to end. But before it does we won't have anything to do as electricity is going to be endangered. Just kidding for now. The use of fossil fuels is devastating Earth's atmosphere, we'll burn alive from the sun. I'm 100% serious. If I become Young Mayor I want to reduce our carbon footprint and the use of fuels.

I want to fight racism and the BNP. I'd use their methods and turn them against them because success could make young people suffer most as we've grown in integrated societies and if the BNP come into power we could get separated from friends. Young people can march to hurt their ego as they won't be there forever. Vote for me if you want to keep the world alive and share it with your friends.

SONYEA TASNIM

My priorities

• Employment for young people
• Reduce the use of drugs by young people
• Help young people fit into society - have more places to go for activities and support

My vision
I have powerful beliefs about changing society today. For the better. I believe I can voice the opinions of the youth in Newham and raise issues which are paramount in their lives. I want to create a safer, positive world in which all can benefit.

Young people are great; very talented and bursting full of life. Sometimes these things are pushed aside and unappreciated by everyone. I want to create a stable relationship between all types of people of all ages and ethnicities. And break the stereotypes that there are in the society. Actions need to be taken for those who need support and help.

Employment for young people and having places for them to go can help prevent this.

Too many young people are getting themselves into drugs when they should be focused on education and shaping their own bright future. Drugs are over-rated! Education is not!

SAIF UDDIN

My priorities

• Making life greener for both the current and next generation
• Tackling all types of discrimination
• Creating a greater bond and safer bond with the young community

My vision
Newham, the borough that boasts its diversity. It shares its cultures and is proud to be multi-cultured. Why wouldn't I want to be part of that? How can I make a positive impact on your lives?

I aim to build and extend Joshua's work. I aim to make Newham an eco-friendly environment. I aim to help youth centres support the younger community. I will persevere with these goals. I promise you perseverance and progress, all I ask for is patience. Floods of requests, suggestions, questions, pressure and people asking for help; I welcome them all. You have the right to live in harmony with whomever you choose; Black, White or Asian. Whatever background or country you're from, you have the right to have a better future. I believe we need a safer, greener and more attractive Newham.

Believe in me and make my beliefs a reality.

HOPE WILTON-WADDELL

My priorities

• Create a better understanding between the young and old
• Assist in giving everyone the key to success through education
• Create a whole Newham culture and eradicating the segregation of post codes

My vision
My Vision - a Newham that is better, united, and prosperous. We as young people are rich in talent and intelligence but unfortunately it still needs to be unlocked by education - this is our key to success. I wish to be that person who helps you to obtain this.

I recently learnt a new word; 'slipping' meaning entering a post code area which you're unwelcome in. We need to stop these post code wars. Long gone are the days of segregation. Young people have a voice, louder than that of some of our bone-headed politicians, but still we are misunderstood, the media creates a persona of yob culture, this needs to be eradicated. I'll do this by acting as the mediator between young and old, by being the microphone to all the young people in Newham.

Remember a vote for Hope is a vote with hope.

NAOMI YFEKO

My priorities

• Education
• Crime and Safety
• Your Say

My vision
Hundreds of young people are still studying in Newham. This is an opportunity to have your say on how changes should be made in the borough. Newham has achieved a lot with your help. It can do so much more. With your help we can achieve more. I have lots of big plans for the future - these include crime and safety. You can join in as much as you like.

They should be more workshops, questionnaires, surveys and web information for people. We should try and communicate with other people. That's one reason why I should be Young Mayor of Newham.

My second reason is education. People should have an opportunity to enjoy what their favourite lessons are.

My last reason is your say, you should have a say on how changes should be made.

Newham is for you and we want what you want.

ROSIE YOUNG

My priorities

• Better opportunities to showcase the talent of Newham
• Improve private mentoring and tuition in schools and youth centres
• Reduce teenage crime

My vision
We live in a multi-cultural society bursting at the seams with extraordinary talent.

When I walk around Newham I see a lot of talent and I believe we as the future of Newham deserve better opportunities to learn.

I would like to hear everyone's individual voice no matter who they are.

Accept difference, embrace diversity and accept change as we cannot dwell over the mistakes of history but we together as Newham can MAKE history.

ADIL YOUSAF

My priorities

• More sport facilities and entertainment
• Stop people littering and make them recycle
• Make young people's voices heard

My vision
Young people have already got a voice all they need is a strong representative to make their voice heard in the Council chambers and Mayor's office and I want to have surveys, petitions, marches. The only way we are going to accomplish anything is by working with each other.

I am not going to make empty promises; I am going to stand up for young people. I want to have more sport facilities and entertainment so young people get off the streets and I want to improve safety on the streets. The amount of rubbish that goes to waste is a large amount.

Remember no matter who you are we are still one community, if you help me I will help you so vote for me for a change, a change for something better. I am passionate about Newham so please vote for me.