Who are the young voices shaping the future of Bolton?
Meet Shalom and Muhammed Ammaar, your Youth MPs, dedicated to making a difference for all young people across Bolton.
In Bolton, two young leaders are making a difference to improve the lives of the youth and are stepping up to represent the voices of their community.
Shalom and Muhammed Ammaar are working tirelessly to create a positive change for young people in their area, their story and personal passions are inspiring for all young people, making them role models for the entire community.
Shalom, (14) a student at St Josephs RC High School, wanting to go into law and politics, is know for her active involvement with NSPCC’s Voice of Online Youth group, where she works to make the digital world safer for all young people.
At school, she embodies her Catholic values through her participation in the Mission Team, spreading catholic ethos within the wider community, and she is also apart of choir, debate club, and several other extracurriculars that showcase her dedication to both her school and community.
I’ve always had a passion for spreading my own voice and opinions, whatever setting i'm in I always make sure that I have the confidence to speak out about what I think is right, and I think that’s what led me to be interested in this role.
- Shalom.
Similarly, Muhammed Ammaar, (13) a student at Eden Boys High School, has a passion for creativity and gaming, allowing him to think outside of the box and think of new, innovative ideas.
His creative mindset allows him to enhance his approach to problem – solving, especially when it comes to young people, bringing a unique perspective to his role as Youth MP.
“It’s a different learning experience, and it allows me to make a positive difference in my community.”
- Muhammed Ammaar.
Both Shalom and Muhammed Ammaar take their roles a Youth MPs seriously, they are responsible for representing the voice of Bolton’s youth, ensuring their concerns are heard.
Their work involves attending weekly meetings, speaking to local leaders, and advocating for issues that matter to young people.
Currently, Shalom is leading an initiative she launched called, Pass the Read to Those in Need.
The project started out by Shalom asking Year 11 students who had recently graduated from her school to donate textbooks, workbooks, and other educational resources to the school library.
When asked what her aim by the end of this is, she replied, “My aim is to provide students from all different backgrounds, or those who may lack access to these materials, with the resources they might need for GCSEs and beyond.”
Having successfully trialled the scheme at her own secondary school, Shalom has already collected nearly 200 resources.
She plans to expand this initiative to other schools across Bolton, establishing a program where past learners annually donate their books to support future students.
Meanwhile, Muhammed Ammaar is currently working on an initiative to reduce violence in schools, with a particular focus on verbal aggression.
He says, “I believe that verbal violence often escalates into physical confrontation” and he hopes by addressing this issue early, it will create a safe environment for students.
Although he is still in planning stages, he is committed to launching his plans soon and make a positive impact in all schools across Bolton.
When asked what advice they would give to young people interested in making a difference in their community, Muhammed Ammaar encouraged them to join Youth Council, calling it a very valuable platform for young voices to be heard.
“Participate as much as you can and never give up,” he advised.
Shalom agreed, urging young people to take the leap and share their ideas without hesitation.
“Just go for it – don’t be shy about putting your voice out there,” she said.
“There will always be someone who shares your opinion, so don’t worry about feeling silly.”
Both Youth MPs believe that the first step in creating change is having the courage to speak up and get involved.
Looking to the future, both Youth MPs have ambitious plans.
Shalom hopes to continue her work on her main manifesto point, Pass the Read to Those in Need and implement it in all schools.
After establishing this project, she plans to revisit her two other manifesto points and gradually developing them further.
Muhammed Ammaar is similarly focused in completing all three of his manifestos, with a particular emphasis on encouraging more young people to engage in active change within their communities.
In conclusion, Bolton’s Youth MPs are shining examples of what young leaders can achieve in Bolton.
Through their hard work and dedication, they are making a real difference in their schools and inspiring other young people to get involves.
As they continue their roles as Youth MPs, both of them remind us that with passion and determination, young people can create a better future for their community.
