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Sadiq teaches citizenship class at South Thames College |
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Tuesday, 09 February 2010 18:01 |
Tooting MP Sadiq Khan dusted off his lecturer’s shoes on Thursday morning for a citizenship lesson at South Thames College. Mr Khan took the students through his journey to becoming an MP, before answering their questions on everything from public speaking to transport and immigration. 
The Level 2 Progression to Humanities, Teaching and Social Care students have recently embarked on an 8 week citizenship programme. The students have already been on a visit to the House of Commons and have been discussing a range of issues, including the importance of voting and the role of MP’s. The students were particularly interested in hearing from Mr Khan about what it’s like to be to be an MP when you’re young and from an ethnic minority.
Sadiq Khan MP said “I very much enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to bring my experiences as an MP from the corridors of power to the classroom. Citizenship education is vital way to engage students in social and political issues and allow them to explore their role in wider society.”
“I am particularly concerned at the low turnout at general elections from younger voters. In the last general election only 34 per cent of people aged between 18 and 24 voted. It is crucial that younger people understand the importance of taking part in the democratic process.”
Abiola Ifayomi, a student at South Thames College said “It’s important to me to see ethnic minorities being represented in Parliament, so I asked Mr Khan about how we can increase this. I really enjoyed the class and I asked some questions on Afghanistan and university funding as well. It’s not often you get a Minister teaching your class so I made the most of it!”
Rina Teran, a student at South Thames College said “I wanted to find out how MP’s help people with their immigration cases. I didn’t think politicians would be easy to talk to but Mr Khan was very down to earth and gave me honest and convincing answers to my questions. I feel like I’ve got a much better understanding of democracy having met Mr Khan and taking this course”
Nabeela Shah, college lecturer said “Seeing what they’ve been learning come to life by talking to a politician one on one has been invaluable to our students. It has made the work of MP's seem more accessible to our students and helped them relate personally to the idea of government."
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