The Activism Academy Scheme – Calum Skinner, Dulwich College

The youngest recent average age of MPs at a General Election was a shocking 49.3 years old, all the way back in 1997. In the most recent General Election in 2019, there were more MPs in the 40-49 age bracket than all of those 39 and below combined. Younger voices need a way to be heard, whether through politics or being an activist. Thus, the Activism Academy scheme was created.

I am lucky enough to be a member of the first year’s applicants for the scheme, and it provides a wonderful education on Allyship, politics, discrimination, and how to be an effective activist. We met for the first time in person on January 28th, and I was surprised at how much the few hours taught me, as well as allowing me to befriend others my age from schools in different parts of London.

Activism Academy meeting (Image: Lara Sengupta, Every Future Foundation)

“I am so glad that new schemes like Activism Academy are emerging- the presence of young voices in what is an environment dominated by people much older than the newer generations is key to developing as a nation,” said Simon Skinner.

I look forward to learning more alongside other students, and eventually making a much-needed change in bleaker times.