Students honoured at Youth Academic Achievement Awards

I brought together young people, schools, families and staff from across the borough to celebrate the achievements of Redbridge’s young people.

When I was elected as member of Youth Parliament for Redbridge earlier this year, I set myself three main manifesto pledges.

One of those pledges was to ensure that young people across the borough were recognised for their achievements, leadership and hard work.

The YAAA was an opportunity to turn that pledge into reality.

I wanted this year’s ceremony to be bigger, more inclusive and to recognise the many different ways in which young people contribute to their schools and communities.

While academic achievement is incredibly important, I believe that leadership, community involvement and the positive impact young people have around them deserve recognition too.

That is why, this year, I introduced a brand-new Community and Leadership Award, celebrating young people who demonstrate outstanding leadership and make a meaningful contribution to their communities.

On the evening, we welcomed 12 secondary schools and around 400 guests to celebrate the incredible achievements of young people across Redbridge.

We were also incredibly fortunate to be joined by Claire Hamilton, chief executive of Redbridge, David Phelps, executive director of Children’s Services, and the mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Bert Jones.

The evening was filled with award presentations, speeches and fantastic live musical performances.

For me, one of the most rewarding parts was seeing so many young people being celebrated in front of their friends, families, teachers and peers.

The response following the ceremony was incredibly special.

I had schools, youth service staff and the head of Service personally reach out to me to share their feedback.

Knowing that the event had made a difference to the young people who attended made all the planning and preparation completely worthwhile.

Hosting the YAAA was also a huge reminder of why youth voice matters.

As a young person myself, I know how important it is to not only have a voice, but to have opportunities to turn ideas into action.

I am incredibly proud that a pledge I made when standing for election has now become an event that celebrates hundreds of young people across our borough.

A huge thank you to Redbridge Youth Council and Redbridge Youth Service, as well as everyone who helped make the evening possible.

• Inaaya Ijaz is the Redbridge member of Youth Parliament.