"In my mind, the programme presented us with a unique opportunity to express our personal ideas about politics and, in the course of developing a project, to operate on the basis of our priorities and values. Ultimately, I believe that one of the most important implications of the programme is the way in which it tackles the popular prejudice about ‘them’ and ‘us’, the governors and the governed. Participants of the programme as well as those affected by their projects have been absorbed into the realm of British politics where civic engagement is welcomed taken that the right amount of effort is made.  

On top of altering the stereotype of political elitism and public apathy in Britain, the programme has also provided an insight into the mechanisms of politics, whereby Undergraduate ParliaMentors have acquired the view of British politics from inside. For an international student like me, this has been one of the most exciting aspects of the programme: previously studied chapters from textbooks on British politics have now come to life and I have experienced some of their content first-hand. Overall, we have had a chance to spend an entire day in Parliamentary office carrying out the tasks of an MP assistant and ask them all sorts of questions concerning us and receive immediate answers in the course of face-to-face communication.

Participants of the same programme, we have all had the same goal: to make a change. However, we differed in our objectives and practical approach; therefore, all nine groups came up with nine different projects.  There are various ways to make a difference. For us, continuous team work throughout the year, inter-faith dialogue and external supply of resources lie at the heart of success. Working with Richard Daniels and Adviya Khan, two individuals with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, have enriched my knowledge and scope and enhanced my understanding of the world. Essentially, due to our differences we have enjoyed a multi-perspective interaction which has equally reinforced ideological basis of our project.

On the whole, the Undergraduate ParliaMentors is a perfect programme for ambitious, determined and enthusiastic young people who aspire to a greater good for a wider society."