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Who are the youth shadow panel?

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We are a team of young people from many of the Shadow Review’s partner organisations. We will be listening to, valuing, and understanding the opinions of young people aged 5 -19 across the English education system.

We want to hear from young people from different backgrounds, ages, and with different interests and abilities. We will be sharing this with members of the Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review Panel, and coordinating with them to shape what’s taught in schools and colleges, and how students are assessed. Together, we are going to help make sure that education reflects the priorities of children and young people.

From community organisers and climate campaigners, to young ambassadors and Members of Youth Parliament, we bring a range of experience and insight to the project. Here’s a bit more about us and what motivates us:

Alishba, Kea, Talia, Liv, Ben and Amira stood in a line smiling for the photo.
Alishba, Kea, Talia, Liv, Ben and Amira

Alishba, 16 (she/her) - I have a voice
“Hi, I’m Alishba and I am the Member of Youth Parliament for Manchester, and I’m passionate about championing youth voices and creating more accessible opportunities leading to growth and development for young people! I’m excited to work alongside the members of the Youth Shadow Panel and drive forward positive change

Amira, 22 (she/her) - NUS UK (Shadow Panel Chair)
“Amira is the National Union of Students UK President. Her background in liberation campaigns established her as the first remunerated community organiser at the student union. and she continues her anti-racism work as a board member for BRIG (Birmingham Race Impact Group) and as an executive for Talawa, a collective envisioning the interconnected futures of black feminism, climate justice and liberated education.”

Ben, 21 (he/him) - Scouts
“Hi, I’m Ben and I’m a recent Politics graduate from the University of Liverpool. I’m particularly motivated to address the lack of influence young people currently have over the future of education, and by working with the panel, I aim to contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive education system that truly values the input of young people.”

Hanna, 15 (she/her) - Young Citizens
“My name is Hanna and I am honoured to be part of the youth panel because I am dedicated to make a positive contribution towards education, ultimately helping hundreds of children. I am prepared to be an advocate for inclusivity and accessibility for all students in education and make a beneficial change for all.”

Kea, 18 (they/them) - Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
“My name is Kea, I am an A Level student and a DofE UK Youth Ambassador, with a passion for the outdoors and a love of film. I am excited to take part in this panel to share my perspective on education and help to shape a positive future for the next generation.”

Liv, 17 (she/they) - Teach the Future
“I’m Liv, and I am a climate and social justice advocate from Nottingham. As a neurodivergent young person, I am also passionate about improving the SEND system, pulling on my experiences as an AuDHD student to inform my activism. Championing young voices is at the heart of my work, and I am excited to work on the Shadow Review to continue this further.”

Qasim, 19 (he/him) - NUS UK
“Hi, I’m Qasim, the Vice President for Further Education at the National Union of Students UK, passionate about advocating for the rights, needs, and opportunities of students in FE. I am dedicated to tackling the unique challenges that further education students face, from funding and accessibility to ensuring fair opportunities in vocational and technical pathways.”

Talia, 20 (they/them) - SOS-UK
“I’m a third-year Geography student at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. I have experience in climate justice advocacy and youth engagement, having worked as a Climate Action Plan Coordinator for SOS-UK for 18 months. I am passionate about amplifying young voices in environmental decision-making and am thrilled to bring this perspective to the Youth Shadow Panel.”

Tasnuva, 16 (she/her) - Save the Children UK
“Hello! My name is Tasnuva. I’m a school councillor and part of my school board, as well as my work as a youth advisor with Save the Children. By joining this board, I want to ensure that our voices as young people are central to shaping education, so that we can make our dreams come true of a future that is inspirational, innovative and inclusive to all.”

Yusuf, 16 (he/him) - NYA
“My name is Yusuf, I currently serve as the Youth MP for Redbridge and am deeply passionate about youth advocacy, education reform, and creating equal opportunities for all. I am eager to contribute to shaping a curriculum that prepares young people for the future, fosters critical thinking, and promotes equity for all. I look forward to collaborating with the panel to drive positive change.”

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What’s your vision for the future of education? If you are age 5-19, live in England, and want to have your voice included in the discussions and review, we’d love to hear your thoughts on what works and what doesn’t in your education - you can let us know via the form on the Shadow Panel website, or via social media with the hashtag #shadowCAR. Feel free to get creative with your submissions - whatever format works best for you!
Deadline 12 January 2025.