At just 17, Hamza Sohaib is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. As a Trustee with Kirklees Youth Alliance and a passionate advocate for youth political engagement, Hamza is on a mission to give young people a voice in the decisions that shape their lives.
A Passion for Youth Empowerment
Born and raised in Thornton Lodge, Huddersfield, Hamza first discovered his passion for leadership in Year 11 when he joined a young leaders programme at school. What started as an interesting extracurricular activity soon became a driving force in his life.
“I signed up thinking it was something new to try. A year later, I was invited to become a Trustee at Kirklees Youth Alliance. I never expected it, but here I am!”
Kirklees Youth Alliance (KYA) was founded in 2018 as a response to budget cuts in council youth services. Instead of working directly with young people, KYA focuses on supporting youth organisations, providing training for volunteers, and securing funding.
As a Trustee, Hamza plays a critical role in financial planning, reviewing budget reports, and advising on initiatives—all while offering a youth perspective that ensures decisions are made with young people in mind.
Bridging the Gap Between Politics and Young People
Hamza believes young people are too often left out of political conversations that directly affect them.
“We always see politicians debating school issues in the House of Commons, but where are the young people? Why are decisions being made for us without our input?”
Determined to change this, Hamza is working to establish a youth advisory group within KYA, ensuring young voices are heard at the highest levels.
“The board loves the idea, and I’m currently working on the logistics to make it a reality.”
Challenging the Myth of Political Apathy
Some argue that young people aren’t interested in politics, but Hamza strongly disagrees.
“Young people care about the world around them. Give them a platform, and they will speak up. That’s what I’m working towards—creating those opportunities.”
One of his proudest moments was organising West Yorkshire Day on February 18, an event bringing young people together with decision-makers.
“We had 70 young people, 16 youth workers, and 12 guests, including MPs Harpreet Uppal and Iqbal Mohamed. Seeing my friends—some of whom had never spoken up before—become passionate about the changes they wanted was incredible. That’s what youth work is all about.”
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
Hamza’s work is deeply personal. Having lacked similar opportunities in high school, he now works tirelessly to ensure other young people don’t miss out.
“The biggest developmental stage is between Year 6 and Year 12. We need to get young people involved early. I never had these opportunities, so I want to create them for others.”
A Story of Resilience and Ambition
Hamza’s drive is shaped by his background. His parents immigrated from Pakistan, with his father arriving in 2009 and the rest of the family following in 2010.
“Being the child of immigrants has taught me humility and the value of hard work. Seeing how immigrants are treated in the news today can be disheartening, but I see my background as a strength. It makes me unique.”
His parents’ journey continues to inspire him.
“They left everything behind to build a future for us. If they could make that leap, then I can push myself even further.”
Despite early challenges—feeling different from his peers because he wasn’t born in the UK—Hamza turned those feelings into motivation.
“Instead of seeing my differences as a disadvantage, I used them as fuel to work even harder.”
A Love for Politics and Public Speaking
Growing up in a household where the news was always on, Hamza’s love for politics developed naturally. But he soon realised something was missing:
“Politics was always about people older than me. I kept asking myself—why am I not getting involved?”
Since then, he has not only discovered a love for public speaking but has also taken every opportunity to travel across the country, engage with MPs, and connect with inspiring individuals.
Lessons Learned and Words of Advice
When asked what life lessons he has learned so far, Hamza offered simple but powerful advice: “Never get disheartened when things go wrong. Be determined. Things won’t always work out the way you planned, but that’s not a reason to stop.”
“Getting involved in politics is the best decision I’ve ever made. If you want to see change, be the one to make it happen.”
Looking to the Future
In the next five to ten years, Hamza envisions himself at university—possibly abroad—but also sees himself continuing his work in youth politics.
“I want to keep making an impact. I hope all our plans at KYA succeed, and that we bring even more young people into everything we do.”
With his passion, drive, and commitment to change, Hamza Sohaib is proving that young people don’t just belong in political conversations—they deserve a seat at the table.
