My name is Mariam Khan and I am your Labour candidate for the 2012 elections. I am 21 years old and I am in my final year of studying Economics at the University of Leicester. I was born and brought up in Washwood Heath and would like to be given the chance to represent you and strive to build a better area. I attended Thornton Junior School and after passing my 11+, I completed my GCSE's and A Levels at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School. Although I am only 21 years old, I think that it is about time that both women and young people got represented fairly in this area and I feel that I am a suitable candidate to fulfil this role. It has been over 20 years since Washwood Heath has had a female councillor and having a female population of around 50%, I think it is essential to elect a woman who can understand the issues and needs of other women. Being both female and young, I hope that I can fill both the empty gaps that our community faces.
My experience through youth work for the past 7 years as a volunteer for the city and then a youth support worker has meant that I have witnessed the current problems that young people face with regards to education, unemployment and the lack of extra-curricular activities to enhance their abilities to succeed. I have actively campaigned against the closure of youth services and worked for the people of Washwood Heath on a voluntary basis. I want to be given the chance to bring about positive change for everyone in Washwood Heath by being supported in this election, so that I am in a position to raise and fight for the concerns of the people. I consider myself as a passionate, determined and reliable candidate as I genuinely want to help the whole community with the problems they may face and if I receive enough support in the elections, I will commit myself to ensuring that this area receives the maximum benefits available all within the interest of the constituents.
If I am elected, my aim is to work for the entire community regardless of their age, gender, race, creed or colour towards improving education, youth and women's facilities, employment opportunities and environmental and housing issues. I sincerely believe that all these goals are achievable with the Labour Party policies, commitment from myself and working together as a community.
