A TEENAGE ref-ugee who hopes to enter the world of politics is on track to fulfil his ambition.

Gulwali Passarlay, aged 17, who fled from war-torn Afghanistan to safety in the UK, has been chosen to be part of the National Scrutiny Group (NSG), a body made up of young people who work with government departments and ministers.

The NSG was formed to ensure that young people’s views and needs are taken into account when developing policies that affect them.

The Bolton Sixth Form A-level student, who lives in Lostock , is one of 15 teenagers across the country to sit on the group after he applied when losing out in Bolton’s youth MP elections.

The former Essa Academy pupil said: “The group is the first of its kind set up by the Department for Education through British Youth Council.

“I am delighted that I am one of the two young people from the North West and even more happy to be from Bolton to represent all young people in the North West.”

Gulwali has travelled to London for meetings and training where he met ministers and representatives from other departments to discuss issues affecting young people.

He says he wants to represent all young people but particularly those who are marginalised by society.

Gulwali came to the UK as a refugee making the harrowing journey by himself at the age of 12.

He said: “Our responsibility is to carefully examine and study the government policies and their impact on the young people, and hopefully advise and inform government ministers of the importance of making sure that young people’s voices are heard.

“I want to make sure the voices of young asylum seekers and refugees are heard.

“They are often looked down upon but they are children like any other and need our support.

“I want to represent all young people and encourage them to become interested in politics, because politics affects them.”

He added that he wanted young people to get in touch with him so he take their concerns to London and discuss them with government ministers.

Gulwali can be contacted by email at gulwali1994@hotmail.

co.uk.