New local MSYP hopes to speak out for young people
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Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) Shayne Omale from Inverurie is the latest to join 166 democratically elected young people in the age range of 14 - 25 from all over Scotland.
He takes over from Josh Macrae and joins Kaylah Miller as MSYP for Aberdeenshire East.
The MSYP commented: “When I was asked if I would like to be the next MSYP for the constituency it was an opportunity to use my voice to amplify the voice of other young people in the constituency and carry on from the great MSYPs before me.
“I have always admired the role of MSYP and it has been an ambition of mine for a long time.
“I admired the dedication, responsibility and conviction to which they handle their role, I've always thought that I can one day step up to the role of MSYP and be one of those many voices speaking out for young people in Aberdeenshire East.”
The Scottish Youth Parliament was established in 1999 in Edinburgh, one day before the first meeting of the Scottish Parliament.
It was set up to get a wider rage of views and to encourage younger people to get into politics at an early age.
Shayne has always taken an interest in politics from a young age: “I have always been interested in politics.
“I find it such an interesting, complicating but yet still a fascinating topic for myself.
“The great topics, laws and actions that have shaped Scotland, the UK have implored me to have an opinion from a unique view - a young person.
“I remember a young Shayne Omale watching President Obama's second Term Election Campaign and being fascinated with the complexities of politics.
“I remember witnessing history again being made watching his inauguration.
“ I also remember in P7 campaigning for House Captain for my house and thankfully winning after two weeks of campaigning.
“Memories like these are ingrained in my recollection from my younger years.
“ In retrospect, they were the building blocks for where I am now.”
As the Youth Parliament campaigns on various issues which affect Scotland's young people, every constituency area elects two MSYP's to represent the views and opinions of the young people of the area.
When asked if more young people should take part in politics, Shayne said: “I think there is a certain aspect of 'dull and dreary' view towards politics from young people.
“ I think we all have a tendency of focussing on the negatives around us especially in politics, though, for me politics is nothing but interest and a way to open the theory of discussion and I believe young people should have those discussions about the world around us and I think politics allows us to talk and discuss.”
As Shayne has always been passionate about politics his main passion is helping people: “I would like to take the path of medicine and become a medical doctor or take the path of law and become a lawyer.
“ In the recent years I have found a passion and a love in helping people and doing the best I can in aiding people and I believe I have found a lifelong passion in helping people medically and doing the best I can to help better someone.”
