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Nothing is done for us, nobody listens to us.
We can keep on talking and discussing, but..
nothing much will happen.
I thought, well if I can make a difference, then why not.
My name is Rizlen Abdul Fakir, I've been a Youth Ambassador for 4 years now.
There are currently sixteen Youth Ambassadors in The Hague.
Each with their own responsibilities.
As Youth Ambassadors we sometimes spot problems in The Hague and we..
bring them to the attention of the authorities. We attempt to stimulate..
the council to solve these problems.
If young people know I'm an Ambassador, they approach me..
and say 'this or that' is the problem.
That really pleases me.
Being a Youth Ambassador has meant a lot to me. I've really been..
been able to develop myself. I'm much more self assured.
I'm no longer that shy girl as I used to be.
The girl who didn't dare stand and talk in front of a group.
Young people have the characteristics of being very direct, open and honest.
In the political and administrative surroundings in which I find myself on..
a daily basis, people express themselves more carefully.
You talk with care and diplomatically.
However with young people, you see the honesty in their eyes..
and often what they express is very direct.
I find working with the confrontational style extremely interesting.
It is characteristic and inspiring.
In many areas citizens are asked for their opinion..
and that participation starts with young people.
if we can bring to light the importance of participation for citizens and..
especially young people. Then that is a win-win situation.
That's is why we have a pro-active youth participation policy.
I'm busy doing a project researching community centres in The Hague.
You have to think about: Is the information right?
Are the opening hours as reported?
Do young people attend? Is the project going well?
Are there activities? Are there youth workers?
At the end of the research I report my findings to the council.
One evening I visited a community centre three times and it was shut three time.
Even though it was supposed to be open.
There were youths hanging around the front door, waiting.
This creates many problems. Not just problems in the neighbourhood..
such as noise and litter but also for the youths themselves.
Suddenly they think: 'What is going on. We were promised that it would be open..
and events would be put on..
but nothing happens!'
I hope that as Youth Ambassador I can change these sorts of situations.
They simply shouldn't occur!