Youth League UK Celebrates 25 Years of Empowering Young People at the House of Commons
Youth League UK Celebrates 25 Years of Empowering Young People at the House of Commons
On 25 March 2026, Youth League UK proudly launched a series of events to mark its Silver Jubilee celebrations with a special reception at the House of Commons. The event was held in the Attlee Suite and kindly hosted by Margaret Mullane MP, Member of Parliament for Dagenham and Rainham.
The celebration brought together approximately 100 guests, including funders, supporters, partners, community leaders, educators, youth practitioners, advisers, staff, volunteers, and young people whose lives have been positively impacted by Youth League UK’s work over the past 25 years. The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s journey, celebrate its achievements, and recognise the many people who have contributed to its success.
Set against the historic backdrop of the House of Commons, the event was both warm and inspiring, highlighting the lasting impact Youth League UK has made in supporting young people, families, and communities since its establishment.
Reflecting on 25 Years of Community Impact
The evening was expertly compered by Malcolm Marega and opened with a warm and confident welcome from Anne Adusote, a Youth League UK Young Leader. Anne graciously welcomed Margaret Mullane MP together with distinguished guests from the voluntary and community sector, education, youth services, local government, and partner organisations.
Her contribution set the tone for an inspiring evening of celebration and reflection. As a young leader developed through Youth League UK’s programmes, Anne’s role in opening the event was particularly fitting, demonstrating the organisation’s long-standing commitment to empowering young people to become confident leaders and active contributors within their communities.
Margaret Mullane MP formally welcomed guests and congratulated Youth League UK on reaching its Silver Jubilee milestone, recognising the organisation’s longstanding contribution to supporting young people, families, and communities across London and beyond, while paying particular tribute to its enduring commitment to serving the people of Dagenham and the wider Barking and Dagenham community.
Throughout the evening, guests heard a series of powerful speeches and personal reflections that illustrated the growth and evolution of Youth League UK over the past quarter century. Jeremiah Gichu shared a young person’s perspective on the impact of Youth League UK’s work, while John Wainaina, Executive Director of Youth League UK, reflected on the organisation’s 25-year journey, celebrating key milestones and outlining a vision for the future. He also shared elements of his own personal journey, speaking candidly about the challenges he faced as a young African migrant navigating life in London. These experiences ultimately inspired him to establish the African Youth League, the organisation that would later become Youth League UK, with a mission to empower young people, strengthen communities, and ensure that future generations had access to the opportunities, support, and guidance needed to thrive.
A particularly inspiring contribution came from internationally renowned Afrobeats DJ and BBC 1Xtra presenter DJ Edu, whose journey is closely connected to the history of Youth League UK. As one of the organisation’s earliest members and volunteers, and later its first youth worker, DJ Edu reflected on the role Youth League UK played in his own development and career journey. Since those early days, he has gone on to become one of the most respected figures in global African music, helping to champion Afrobeats and African culture to audiences around the world through his work with the BBC and beyond. His story served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that investing in young people can have, inspiring the next generation to pursue their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
A key part of the evening was the launch of Youth League UK’s Bridging the Divide Education Inclusion Evaluation Report, which highlighted the impact of the organisation’s work in promoting inclusion, strengthening engagement, and supporting young people who may face barriers to participation and achievement within education.
As part of the report launch, guests heard thoughtful and inspiring contributions from Sharon White, Chief Executive Officer of Educating Horizons, Rebecca Burvill, Inclusion Manager at Dagenham Park School, and Olivia Draisey, Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead at Jo Richardson Community School. Drawing on their professional experience and direct work with young people, they spoke passionately about the positive difference Youth League UK’s programmes have made within schools and communities.
Their reflections provided compelling evidence of the value of Youth League UK’s education inclusion work, highlighting how effective partnerships between schools, families, and community organisations can help create a stronger sense of belonging, improve engagement, support wellbeing, and remove barriers that prevent some young people from reaching their full potential. They praised the organisation’s commitment, professionalism, and ability to build trusted relationships with young people and families, highlighting the significant contribution Youth League UK continues to make in supporting more inclusive educational environments and better outcomes for young people.
Hiwot Ameneshoa, Strategic Lead for Youth Support and Participation at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, delivered a heartfelt and enthusiastic contribution, speaking about the importance of partnership, collaboration, and shared purpose in supporting young people. Reflecting on the strong working relationship between the Council and Youth League UK, she spoke warmly about the organisation’s contribution to the borough and the positive outcomes that can be achieved when local authorities and trusted community organisations work together. Her remarks highlighted the value of long-term partnerships in creating opportunities, building resilience, and strengthening communities for the benefit of young people and their families.
A highlight of the evening was the Youth Voice segment, featuring an outstanding musical performance by Ryan Otambul and Natalie Mwangi. Their performance brought energy, inspiration, and celebration to the occasion, showcasing the talent, creativity, and confidence of the young people supported by Youth League UK. Guests also viewed a special video presentation highlighting the experiences, achievements, and personal journeys of young people who have benefited from the organisation’s programmes over the past 25 years.
The evening also included a special Silver Jubilee Recognition and Awards segment led by Makola Mayambika, Youth Support Lead at Youth League UK, celebrating young people who had demonstrated significant achievements and made outstanding contributions through leadership, community involvement, education, personal development, and service to others.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Youth League UK Board Member Thomas Okech, who reflected on the organisation’s achievements and thanked the many individuals and organisations whose commitment, partnership, and support have enabled Youth League UK to make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of young people over the past 25 years.
A Special Thank You
Youth League UK extends its sincere gratitude to Margaret Mullane MP for graciously hosting the event and welcoming guests to the House of Commons.
Her support helped make the occasion a fitting celebration of the organisation’s achievements and provided a meaningful setting in which to recognise 25 years of dedication, service, and community impact.
The reception marked the beginning of a year of Silver Jubilee celebrations that will continue throughout 2026, reflecting on Youth League UK’s achievements while looking ahead to the next chapter of service, growth, and impact.
As Youth League UK looks to the future, the organisation remains committed to empowering young people, supporting families, and strengthening communities, building on a proud legacy of service while embracing new opportunities to create positive change for the next generation.
Photo Gallery: To view photographs from the House of Commons Silver Jubilee Celebration, please click here.