A SMALL man with a big voice is hoping to make a difference to the lives of young people, not only in Devon, but throughout the country. Twenty youngsters aged between 11 and 18 who want to give voice to youth issues have put themselves forward in this year's 'Bigger Voices...Better World' elections. The 2008 elections, which sees youngsters elected as members of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) and the Young Peoples Shadow Executive (YPSE), are being held in schools, colleges and youth centres from Monday January 4 until Wednesday January 23. One of the candidates for North and West Devon and Torridge is Rowan Perrior, a North Tawton resident and a Year 7 student at Okehampton College. Rowan, aged 12, is the youngest candidate standing in the elections with his opponents all being at least three years his senior. Rowan, however, believes that things need changing — and he's the person to change them. Rowan said: 'I heard about UKYP and YPSE through a student bulletin and thought it would be my kind of thing. 'UKYP is all about sorting out the big issues which affect young peoples' lives. There are things that need changing and I am the right person to change them.' The key issues that Rowan feels most passionately about are the representations of young people in the media, bullying, racism and public transport. He said: 'I'm very strongly against both bullying and racism. Public transport should also be improved, particularly for rural areas. I want the voices of young people to be heard and taken seriously.' Rowan believes he is ideally suited to the role as he is a keen public speaker, often addressing up to 400 students during assemblies at Okehampton College. He said this, combined with his will to win and mature attitude, will help him represent young people in a confident and assured way. Rowan attended North Tawton Primary School. He is especially keen on science and drama, the latter supplemented by his involvement with the North Tawton dramatics society, YANTS. Throughout his campaign. Rowan has been supported by tutor Claire Balsden who has taken Rowan to schools in Tavistock and Chulmleigh so his message can be heard. Miss Balsden and Rowan urged all students to vote, even if they chose to not vote for Rowan. Rowan said: 'People have to vote and hopefully they will vote for me. When people choose not to vote bad officials are elected. I want to put young people's views forward and now it is time for a change. 'I'm not forcing anyone to vote for me as people have a right to a free choice but I really want this and I'd be really grateful to anyone who does vote for me. 'If I am elected I will fight and fight and fight until I get what you want. I will even go to 10 Downing Street if I have to.' If Rowan is elected to the UKYP he will be representing Devon on a national level with the possibility of dealing with international affairs. Should he be elected to YPSE he will be involved with Devon County Council's top decision makers. DCC's Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Cllr John Smith, said: 'Involving young people in decision making is an important process. We are in our seventh year of a youth parliament in Devon and many of the ideas and feedback, resulting from our collaboration, has already influenced decisions made by the council.' Students across West Devon will have the chance to vote for their preferred candidate using ballot boxes. The results will be announced at a ceremony at County Hall, Exeter on Saturday January 26. The successful members will take up their posts on February 1.
