Glasgow Provan is a fantastic constituency with lots of hard working, enthusiastic young people. We’re not without our problems though. I hope that I can work with everyone in Glasgow Provan, to make our community better. If I’m elected as the Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament I will:
• Create an anti knife crime strategy with local young people
I will work with community partners and local young people to tackle the causes of knife crime. Knife crime can rip the heart out of a great community. I believe that the young people here are mature enough to tackle the issues head on and come up with an anti Knife Crime Strategy. I want to work with the community to find out what works best in deterring our young people from not only using a knife, but carrying one in the first place. A consultation would be carried out over 6 months and then an event would be heard to ensure that decision makers and local service providers know exactly how young people feel on the issues.
• Work with local young people to identify a solution to University funding
Over the last few months we’ve seen a lot of angry young people protesting about university tuition fees. The Scottish Government is working to establish a “Scottish solution” to the problem. I want to consult with the young people of Glasgow Provan on what they think this should be. It’s a very important issue and one which isn’t going away any time soon. It’s essential that young people are consulted properly and I will make sure this happens.
• Establish a Youth Volunteers Group
Volunteering is so important. Many young people across the constituency have so much to offer and I believe that the benefits of taking part in a volunteering programme would be fantastic. I would establish a database that contains the details of all the young people in the constituency who are interested in volunteering. I will then work to identify opportunities specifically related to the interests of the young people and support them in obtaining a place. Of course, the ideal situation would be that young people would be able to find paid work. However, with so few employment opportunities, it’s important that young people who are out of work use their time effectively.
I will work on many more issues and projects over my term, if I’m elected. However, these three issues will be what drive my work over the two year term. I will meet regularly with local youth groups and hold surgeries, both online and in person (if required.) As you can see, most of my work is consultative so I’m counting on the young people of Glasgow Provan to work with me to ensure that I represent them to the best of my ability. I will also encourage young people in the constituency to attend meetings with me and shadow me at events, if they wish to do so.I already have the experience as an elected Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and I believe I’m the best person to represent the young people of Glasgow Provan on a national and international platform. I hope you will put your trust in my ability and vote for Keenan Alexander!
