Future Voices Group Ambassador, Samuela, shares her experiences attending the WMCA Youth Summit 2024 earlier this month.
Attending the WMCA Youth Summit 2024 was an enriching experience, filled with insightful discussions and inspiring talks. As an ambassador for the Future Voices Group (FVG), I had the privilege of representing our group and promoting the Youth Futures Foundation to a diverse audience of young people and professionals.
Our evening began with setting up a stall that featured a large whiteboard with the bold question, “What qualities does your dream job have?” This interactive setup attracted the attention of attendees of all ages, sparking engaging conversations and gathering various interesting responses about the importance of factors such as good pay versus job satisfaction and fulfilment. It was very encouraging to see the creativity in the answers, reflecting the diverse aspirations of the youth present, and aligning with many of our values as an organisation.
The summit officially kicked off with a welcoming address in the auditorium. Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, delivered an inspiring speech that emphasized the significant role of youth in local systematic change. His speech highlighted the importance of continued youth engagement, and the impact young voices can have on shaping the future and development of the West Midlands.
Following the mayor’s address, the Race Equalities Taskforce gave a short introduction about their roles and contributions to this youth summit. It was particularly meaningful to see a familiar face, Annum Mahmood (Partnerships Manager at Youth Futures)! The talk outlined the importance of considering intersectionality in all areas of development, providing valuable insights into how we can create more inclusive and equitable communities.
The evening continued with a powerful talk from Shani Dhanda, an inspirational figure whose life story left a lasting impression on all attendees. Her journey as a South Asian woman with a disability and her achievements served as a testament to resilience and determination, motivating us to pursue our goals despite any obstacles we may face. Some of her key advice included: “not being afraid to step out of your comfort zone and recognizing that what some view as weaknesses could be the very qualities that make you unique and successful in the job market.” Following this, there was a panel with a range of youth activists and advocates, from mental health to youth justice, who discussed their lived experiences and overcoming barriers in society.
The last session I attended was one workshop out of many, and it concerned marginalised communities and their experiences in the criminal justice system. It was certainly harrowing to understand just how cruel the system has been to ethnic minorities, particularly through adultification prejudice affecting those from Black and mixed backgrounds who are currently overrepresented in the West Midlands criminal system. However, one thing that stood out to me was the work done by Daina Anderson Mpunzi, a social entrepreneur, producer, and author. Her work brought the voices of young Black men and their experiences to light through film and documentary. It was inspiring to see positive change through the lens of media, not only raising awareness of the victims of injustice but also dignifying them by giving them a space to share their side. This highlighted to me that change is not merely policy or consultation but takes many forms.
Overall, the WMCA Youth Summit 2024 was a remarkable event that not only provided a platform for youth advocacy but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among all participants in addressing barriers from all sectors, including employment. It was an honour to be part of such a dynamic and impactful gathering on behalf of the FVG.
