Idel Aykin

I am 22 years old and have just completed my Masters in International Relations and Development Studies at the University of East Anglia. I am currently applying for internships in international organisations and charities that focus on human rights and the development of democracy. My ambition is to hopefully work for an international organisation, such as the United Nations or Amnesty International, that focus on countries with high human rights violations and works to change this. Having studied International Relations and Politics at undergraduate level I have developed a strong interest in the work of international organisations in war-stricken and deprived countries.

I am currently a visitor at the Yarls Wood Detention Centre for failed women asylum seekers. As a member of the Befrienders charity, I visit and provide emotional and practical support to women who have been detained as illegal immigrants. This experience has given me an insight into a lot of the issues pertaining to the British asylum system and the difficulties experienced by women in many third world countries.

Nelson Mandela is a great inspiration to me. His vision of creating an equal South Africa post apartheid that focused on resolution rather than vengeance was both politically advantageous and morally inspirational.

My SAC project is focused on transforming Bedford into a “Transition Town”. We are campaigning for the lowering of carbon emissions in Bedford. I believe this campaign will be successful as it is an umbrella for a wide range of problems from our dependence on cars to our disconnection with agriculture and locally grown produce.