Forge Press sat down with Pals Amanullah to discuss their candidacy for International and Welfare Officer.
We first asked why they wanted to run for International and Welfare Officer. Pals said:
“Because research shows that since COVID-19, PGRs have felt more isolated, they’re more lonely and they opt for more online forums like events and workshops.”
“Being a PGR myself, I’ve definitely noticed that there is a need for a lot of communication, a lot of interaction and support programs and activities that need to be organised to make them feel more included, to kind of give them the sense of belonging in the university and not just amongst the PGRs but like, you know, a broader community bringing everyone together.”
Forge then asked them about their manifesto, Pals said: “I have three themes. I really believe in power, passion and progress for the students. You know, what is power for you? What is power for me? We want to be included in the community, we want to feel more welcomed and invited, we want to know about where are, you know, like financial resources, what is the breakdown of the budget.”
Pals also wants progress, “progress from enrolment, all the way to employment.” They want to challenge how to provide facilities that further enhance personal growth, wellbeing and equality, but also equity and success.
Pals added: “And thirdly, like, I’m really passionate about doing all of this, because like I said, I have personally experienced everything.”
They made an example on: “why can’t the students be a part of decision making, like higher level bodies that directly affect or influence the life and such as accommodation, rent, such as mental health services. Now, being a PGR student, we have limited working hours. We cannot work beyond that.”
Pals concerns over the increase every year on the cost of accommodation rent at the university is a main concern, they said: “that’s an added stress, you know, how do you cope up with that when you cannot work more than what you’re allowed to, but then your expenditures are increasing, you know, and there’s no welfare funding.”
Forge finally asked if Pals had any final message to our readers. They said:
“My final message is, I really want to tell anyone, everyone, that your power, your voice, that’s my priority. And together we can work to bring the change that we want in the university and make it a more inclusive, a more environment friendly place where everybody can thrive together. So, this is the kind of sense of belonging that I am absolutely looking forward to.”
