The Youth Council Leader, Deputy Leader and the Secretary Admin & Governance leads shadowed key figures at Haringey Council.
This included the Leader of the Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, Cllr Sarah Williams, Chief Executive Andy Donald, as well as other senior officers.
Through this experience, they gained first hand insight into the roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes at the council.
With interests ranging from Government and Politics to mental health, SEND and more inclusive schools and community spaces, these young individuals explored the knowledge, skills, and opportunities in these areas.
El Shaddai (Youth Council Leader) and Zak Ahmed (Youth Deputy Leader) met with the Leader of the Council to discuss how the council operates and how decisions are made.
Zak Ahmed, Youth Deputy Leader, said:
Meeting the Leader and the Deputy made me think about what I want to do in the future. It showed me young people can make a difference.
El Shaddai, Youth Council Leader, said:
Talking to them directly helped me understand how decisions are made and how young people can be part of it.
Meanwhile, Eylyul TundzhaI (Secretary for Admin & Governance) met with Chief Executive Andy Donald to learn about his journey into the role.
Eylyul TundzhaI, Secretary Admin & Governance, said:
I didn’t realise how much work goes into running the borough. It was nice to have a 1-2-1 with Andy and get to know a bit about his career.
Youth Takeover Week is an annual national initiative delivered locally by Haringey’s Youth Service with the aim of providing young residents with the opportunity to understand and have a voice.
Since its launch in 2007 by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, Youth Takeover Week has involved over 40,000 young people nationwide.
At Haringey Council, it amplifies youth voices, celebrates diversity and creates opportunities for learning and networking. The initiative gives young people valuable experience while offering council leaders fresh insights, strengthening connections with the next generation of residents.
