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Wellington Academy cadet selected as UK Youth Parliament member

A 17-year-old CCF cadet has been elected as the Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) for East Wiltshire.

Wellington Academy cadet selected as UK Youth Parliament member

6 March 2018

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Joel Mutagayika, moved from Tottenham in London last year and started at The Wellington Academy in September 2018 where he joined the school’s Army section and now proudly wears the Royal Engineers cap-badge.

He was encouraged by the Academy to apply for the opportunity to become a MYP for his local area as Joel has a keen interest in politics. He had to draw-up a manifesto as well as campaign at several different schools and youth clubs as part of the election process.

From this month he will take part in the national Youth Parliament and his focus will be on improving transport in rural Wiltshire and raising awareness of mental health issues.

MYPs across the UK work to give young people a voice – listening to marginalised groups, organising events, making films, meeting MPs, lobbying for change, organising campaigns and appearing in the media, all to amplify the views of their peers.

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Joel said: “I’m very happy to have been elected and grateful to everyone who supported me. I believe that my cadet experience has given me both the physical and mental confidence to pursue my ambitions. I really enjoy the CCF and I hope to join the British Army when I’m older.”

Contingent Commander, Colonel (Retired) Ed Newman, said: “I am hugely proud of the initiative and drive shown by Joel and we look forward to him becoming a Cadet JNCO in the near future. His success clearly demonstrates the relevance of skills learned in the cadet movement.”

Joel is currently boarding at the Academy as part of a Bursary from the Springboard Trust and was recently elected as Deputy Head boy. He was part of his local Army Cadet Force when he lived in London.