Remember that scene from King’s Speech when Colin Firth as George VI somewhat indignantly
blurts out “I have a voice” at a baffled Geoffrey Rush portraying his speech
therapist?
If you have seen the film (and who has not seen it
really?) you must remember that moment, that crucial turning point where after
a lifelong battle with stammer, the King finally realizes that he indeed can
fulfill his duty and that the thing that has haunted him his entire life can be
overcome with the support of others.
On August 31st I was given a unique opportunity to
join the roundtable talks with a number of representatives of various youth
organization from all across the UK. The event titled: “Roundtable: Inclusive and Diverse Communities and Youth
Voice on Brexit” took place at the British Youth Council headquarters in London.
It was a privilege to have been able to hear young
people’s opinions, questions, concerns, and their general take on Brexit
negotiations. At the beginning of our session we were asked to describe, with
one word, what exiting the European Union meant to us personally. These words
were later read aloud around the room. They were very vocal expressions of
genuine concern and disappointment as well as anxiety about our futures. During
these few, highly productive afternoon hours we discussed a list of Brexit
related topics key to young Brits today. We spoke about the quality of state
education, freedom of movement, voting rights, the economy, hate crime and many
other matters.
We, young people, youth activists have our beloved, vibrant
communities. We ourselves are a community. We have a voice. We have a voice and
we want it to be heard. We have our strong opinions, inspiring thoughts, good suggestions
and our politically viable ideas MUST be taken seriously. We do not wish to be
sat at the kids’ table at the dinner party merely being able to overhear the
clanging of the cutlery and a muffled yet heated debate from the main dining
room.
As Europeers UK it is our pivotal goal to keep and
further develop Erasmus+ opportunities for UK youth and it is our assiduous mission
to be present at the forefront of a widespread debate and be an advocate for
this issue. We will remain strong and continue our campaign until we are certain
that these requests can be secured during the actual negotiations.
Written in Leytonstone on September 4th 2016
By Olga Ambrosiewicz, Europeers UK Steering group
member