Borough’s new Youth MPs ready to make their voices heard on national stage

Laima Dhimitri and Jasmine Dix want to begin making life better for young people as Wokingham Borough’s next two Youth MPs.

The 16-year-olds were elected by their fellow borough school pupils in January – to fill the borough’s two seats on the Youth Council UK until next spring.

Together, they also chair the borough’s own Youth Council, which meets each month to debate issues affecting young people.

Laima, who attends Maiden Erlegh School in Earley, said: “We’re excited to speak about issues nationally and to hopefully have those conversations with people that have the power to make real change happen.

“Tangible change might not be possible, in terms of the next 12 months, but often raising awareness is enough to begin making it happen.”

Those issues are vital today.

Laima continued: “We want to raise more awareness of issues like mental health, which are being talked more about, but we want to go further.

“A challenge for young people is thinking, ‘What actually is going to impact me in the future?’ It’s scary, because with things like AI and climate change we don’t really know. But these are all things that we’re going to have to deal with.”

Jasmine (pictured above), who goes to The Holt School in Wokingham, said: “We want to work towards fairer opportunities for all young people. 

“We don’t have clear strategies yet, but in 12 months, when our time on the Youth Council UK comes to an end, we want to leave it in a better position, so that the next cohort of Youth MPs can come in and do even more amazing things – making sure that the Youth Council UK is sustainable.”

Jasmine added: “I think a big challenge facing young people today is having issues you’re passionate about, but not knowing where to direct that passion. I think platforms like the Youth Council are really important, because then you can bring your views and ideas forward.”

Working together – for all young people 

Spend any amount of time with Laima and Jasmine, and it’s soon clear to see what a strong team they have become through their Youth Council commitments.

Laima is more likely to dive right in at the deep end of a debate, while Jasmine is more likely to take a moment before making her contribution. As a combination, they complement each other.  

This autumn, Jasmine will begin A levels in biology, economics, psychology and Spanish. Laima too will study Spanish, alongside art, history, and religion and philosophy A level.

Jasmine said: “I haven't got a definite career path in mind, but I want to really work with people. Human rights and law are things I've been focusing on.”

Laima (pictured above) is looking more broadly about what she can learn from sitting on the Youth Council UK. 

She said: “This is something I want to be able to take into my adult life. Maybe not specifically in politics. But I think the experience of politics and diplomacy, that being on the Youth Council UK will hopefully give me, is going to be so valuable.”

Overcoming doubts. And lighting a fire

Jasmine’s confident manner belies a candid fact that she overcame a bout of imposter syndrome before successfully running for the Youth Council UK in January.

“I was scared away by the idea that I didn't think I knew enough or didn't really have the experience,” she said. “But this year I felt more confident and just thought, ‘Go for it’. What motivated me was being able to do something that brings about positive change.”

Debates in Laima’s own home persuaded her to direct that passion to a public forum.

She said: “I have fierce debates with my dad about issues in the world. He would listen to me and then he challenged me, ‘Why don't you do something about it?’ It lit a spark in me.”

As a rule in the UK, the older we get, the more likely we are to vote. 

At one end of that spectrum, it can be typical that less than half of 18 to 24-year-olds vote in any general election, while at the other end of the scale, three-quarters of people aged 65 and over vote and have their say in the outcome.

How can young people become more engaged with democracy?

“I think decision-makers consulting with young people more is one way,” said Jasmine. “But it can be a vicious circle. If decision-makers don’t consult with young people, then young people can be left frustrated and choose not to vote in future elections.

“I think one problem is that some decisions are made for and are about young people, but are arguably not in young people’s best interests. We’re the ones after all who will see these decisions come into effect, for more of our lives.”

Laima said: “I think that’s where bodies like the Wokingham and the UK Youth Council can really help. Being a member of the Youth Council in Wokingham can enable you to see and comment on policies before they’re introduced. I think that’s a way young people can really get involved.”

If you could change one thing today for young people in Wokingham Borough, what would it be?  

Laima: “I think more current affairs and more financial education need to be included in the school curriculum. They’d be really important skills for young people to have.”

Jasmine: “I agree and would bring in more current affairs into education and schools. It's important, so that, as young people, we can form our own opinions and not just be influenced by what’s being pushed on social media.” 

Work-life balance – how do you relax, away from work?

Laima: “Being creative. That’s my escape. Without that, I don’t think I’d keep working so hard in other areas of my life, without that chance to recharge.”

Jasmine: “I listen to true-crime podcasts. I read my Bible. And I also enjoy cooking. I’ll see something online and think that looks good and want to give it a try.”

What might people be surprised to learn about you? 

Jasmine: “People think I’m very organised, but I'm not! I'd like to be. It’s a work in progress.”

Laima: “I have two sides to me. The person who wants to be a change maker. And someone who’s quieter, which links to my faith as a Christian.”

• Secondary school pupils aged 11 to 18 are eligible to join Wokingham Borough’s Youth Council. If you’re interested, email the participation team at youthvoice@wokingham.gov.uk
• Not yet registered to vote? If you’re aged 16 or over, you can register today. Find out how.