Aksa Ali, an ambassador for the Scottish Government’s themed Year of Young People 2018, talks to History Scotland about what the year has in store and her hopes for its legacy

Aksa Ali

Year of Young People

What does this year mean to you as a YOYP ambassador?

Year of Young People 2018 means too much to me to put into words – but I’ll try. It means that people of my generation are given the chance to share their views and opinions on topics they normally wouldn’t be asked about. I have the opportunity to discuss things that are important to me and many others, which is normally so dificult to achieve.

Year of Young People 2018 enables me to beat the stigma held against today’s youth. Most importantly, Year of Young People 2018 is a platform where I and so many others, can finally be taken seriously!

What have been your highlights to date?

So far, I’ve helped the organisation Architecture and Design Scotland gain insight into a young person’s perspective on a project that actually involves us. I was able to use my voice and share my thoughts, eliminating the possibility of tokenism and giving useful ideas. I have also brought my university onboard the Year of Young People 2018 train, and with the help of the societies, I aim to raise awareness of this significant year.