The youth have spoken and Kwasi Agyekum-Koranchie and Sophia Dyson are the borough’s new Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor, respectively.
Kwasi campaigned on hot topics including mental health, employment opportunities, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Kwasi and Sophia have already had the chance to meet with some of Wandsworth Council’s key decision-makers, including leader Simon Hogg. Now the pair are ready to build on the work carried out by Wandsworth’s former Youth Mayor team, Millie Quinn and Favour Oniri, who were the first young people elected in the borough, last year.
As well as attending key events, like Wandsworth Arts Fringe and Hazelfest, the dynamic duo will lead on youth-focused initiatives including Wandsworth’s first Young People’s Sexual Harassment Survey and the Youth Wandsworth Strategy to ensure that local services reflect young peoples’ needs.
“We want to create an even happier, safer Wandsworth, where everyone feels they can be seen and heard. There are people who might not feel very comfortable with having their voices heard, so the role of Youth Mayor is the opportunity to be that beacon of a voice.
“It’s up to young people to come together and really embrace our differences, we can unite and be one community.”
– Kwasi Agyekum-Koranchie, Youth Mayor of Wandsworth
“I want to make politics and government more accessible for young people, embracing Wandsworth’s vibrant cultures and enhancing its green spaces and outdoor activities.
“There’s so much potential in Wandsworth and I love the possibility of collaborating across councils with other youth mayors.”
– Sophia Dyson, Deputy Youth Mayor
“We are incredibly proud of our Youth Council and inspiring young leaders like Kwasi and Sophia who step forward to represent their peers. The council is committed to working hand-in-hand with them to ensure young people’s voices are not only heard but are at the heart of decision-making in Wandsworth.”
– Cllr Judi Gasser, Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Children
A total of eight young people from across the borough stood for election, raising a broad range of issues including education and careers, mental health, cultural diversity, active travel, green spaces and community safety.
