Youth Forum's Aya Seymour joins NI Youth Assembly

Aya Seymour, a 5th year student at St. Cecilia’s College and a member of the Millennium Forum’s Youth Forum, has been accepted into the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly (NIYA).

According to the Millennium Forum’s Education Officer, Mags Anderson, Seymour's success is a source of great pride and a testament to her work on youth projects such as the Interact Festival and Happy Stage.

Derry student Aya has been involved with the Youth Forum since 2023 and has credited her acceptance onto the NIYA to the work that she has done working on the Millennium Forum’s Interact Festival and their youth projects such as Happy Stage.

Aya said: “The youth programmes I’ve taken part in at the Millennium Forum such as Happy Stage and Interact have really helped me. I was always supported by Mags, Patricia and Aoibheann to take part and join in.

“Before I started at the Forum, things were more challenging for me. As a young girl with autism and other health needs, I often found it hard to feel confident, join in with new groups, or put myself forward for opportunities. 

“The programs offered by the Forum were fun, interactive, and gave me the chance to meet new people and try new things. It has made me more confident and encouraged me to believe in myself. 

“Through these opportunities, I have learned to express myself more openly, take part in group activities, and believe in my own abilities. Because of that, I felt ready to put myself forward and apply to be a member of the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly, something I don’t think I would have done before”.

Mags Anderson, Education Officer at the Millennium Forum, added: “I am so proud of Aya.  This is a fantastic achievement for her and I’m so happy that her experience in our Youth Forum has contributed to this success.

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“We always try to encourage all our Youth Forum members to have confidence in themselves and to try new things.  I am delighted that Aya is pushing herself outside of her comfort zone and everyone at the Forum wishes her well. We know she will smash it!”

The Northern Ireland Youth Assembly (NIYA) is a two-year programme for young people in Years 9 to 12 across Northern Ireland. It gives young people a real platform to share their views and influence decisions on important issues such as health, education, and equality. A chance for their voices to be heard! 

Established by the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2021, the NIYA was created to give young people a structured way to have a genuine voice in shaping the future of Northern Ireland.

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Through the NIYA, members will receive expert training and support, take part in debates, carry out inquiries, and work directly with MLAs and policymakers in Parliament Buildings.

The Millennium Forum’s Youth Forum offers young people aged 12- 21 the opportunity to lead the theatre’s youth programming and learn new skills in event management and marketing whilst simultaneously developing confidence and making new friends.   Anyone interested in joining should contact Mags Anderson by emailing magsc@millenniumforum.co.uk