I was born in London, and my early education started in nursery school before my family moved to Afghanistan. I learned English, Science and the national second language of Pashto along with the national curriculum from Reception to Year 4 at a private school.
A bomb explosion near my school remains one of my clearest memories, even though most other memories from that time are hazy. The school remained under lockdown for several hours until the area was safe and my father could bring me home. This event taught me about the elements of risk and survival while demonstrating the significance of security as well as academic education.
The move back to London in 2015 led me to join Year 5 at Hazelbury Primary School. During my two years at that school, I learned to adjust quickly to my new surroundings while making numerous friends. My interest in politics developed at Hornsey School for Girls during my secondary education so I can now study Politics and International Relations (PIR) at university.
My time at Hornsey included debating in the debate club from Year 7 through Year 9 together with student leadership positions during both 2019-2020 and 2021-2022. Through First Give I assisted in collecting £180 with my class and then secured an additional £1000 for our chosen charity. I led my GCSE Active Citizenship campaign in 2022 to support a local homelessness charity, where I succeeded in collecting more than £250. This experience strengthened my political interest while fuelling my desire for social transformation.
After finishing my GCSEs I started my education at Enfield County Sixth Form to study Government and Politics together with Business and Health and Social Care. My February 2023 assembly focused on the Iranian protests alongside the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan. Public speaking became more natural for me after this experience which forced me to step outside my usual comfort boundaries.
A significant achievement during my sixth form of education involved participating in Kate Osamor’s Politics Summer School, which took place at Portcullis House in Westminster. The experience allowed me to meet Jeremy Corbyn, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and other motivational political figures. We travelled through Parliament while we watched debates of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and PMQs, which focused on NHS funding.
After finishing my A Levels, I started my studies at Westminster University, where I chose Politics and International Relations as my major. Since then, I haven’t experienced any regrets. I joined the Global Diplomacy Initiative Society at the university and participated in many activities beyond campus. The Democratic Education Network (DEN) welcomed me when I joined the organisation and gave me motivation and a positive reception. I am excited to take on more responsibilities while learning from others and giving back in every way I can.
Negena Mahmoud