Visiting schools in my constituency and meeting local young people who come on school trips to the UK Parliament is one of the great joys of doing this job.

I’m often impressed by the questions I’m asked and the ideas that are put to me. Several times, young people have come up to me at the end of visits to ask how they can get more involved in politics.

Inspired by this, I have decided to run a Summer School to give a number of young people from across the Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy constituency a chance to learn more about how change actually happens. It will take place on Thursday, August 13 in Kirkcaldy. It’s a chance for young people to learn and pick up skills as to how to make positive change happen.

I don’t come from a political family. I was the first one in my family to go to university – I went to Stirling Uni and loved it.

Melanie Ward MP with a group of students from Kirkcaldy High School (Pic: Contributed)

placeholder image — Melanie Ward MP with a group of students from Kirkcaldy High School (Pic: Contributed)

My first year at university was when I first really understood that politics and campaigning are how you correct injustice and how you work for the changes you want to see in your community, your country and our world. I want to do what I can to share what I’ve learned since.

My Summer School is a chance to give local young people a look through a window they might not otherwise get to see through, to get an understanding of the tools and processes that can turn an idea into real change.

Politics and change-making is something that anyone can be part of, not just something that happens around you. Whether that's through campaigning, community organising, or simply understanding how decisions get made, I want young Fifers to know these doors are open to them and that places like the House of Commons belong to all of us.

You don't need to have studied politics or have any experience of campaigning. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to get involved and help make positive change happen. This is not a party-political event. If you or a young person you know might be interested, then get involved. Places are limited so please send in your name, age and contact details alongside a paragraph about why you would like to take part in the summer school to [email protected] by Friday, July 24. I can’t wait to meet you all!