A BUSINESS studies student plans to campaign for better “financial literacy for young people” as Waltham Forest's youth MP.

Sir George Monoux College student Abbas Hanif, 19, won an election last Wednesday to become a Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP).

The Walthamstow student, who is planning to study politics at university, will be part of a group of 11 to 18 year olds from around the country to raise issues concerning young people and will take part in youth debates in the House of Commons.

Mr Hanif has already started a campaign for better financial literacy for young people and presented his ideas to Mayor of London Boris Johnson at a forum in November. He now plans to continue his campaign in the Youth Parliament.

He said: "It is so important, especially in the current economic climate, for us all to understand how to manage our money.

"A lot of people blow their money on things, but if we can learn how to manage our money properly, we can find an alternative route and save so that we don't get into financial crisis in the future."

Sir George Monoux College students searched for a Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) for Waltham Forest as part of an A' Level citizenship class.

Sir George Monoux College principle Kim Clifford said: "I have seen Abbas work on so many community cohesion projects and I have witnessed his enthusiasm and commitment to our community. I have no doubt that he will make an excellent MYP for the borough.”

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