Manifesto

Candidate for the position of Vice President for Communities

Image for Ainhoa Burgos Aguilera

Ainhoa Burgos Aguilera

Fair Future for All

Inroduction

Hi! I’m Ainhoa and I'm re-running for VP Communities. I've got a strong enthusiasm for the outdoors, sustainability, and inclusivity. I dream big, work hard and make it happen no matter what!

What are your three priorities for the year?

1. Continue improving accessibility and inclusivity in the university for a more diverse student community and fairer conditions for everyone by:

  • Lobbying the university to reduce barriers that international students face.
  • Supporting the liberation network for a more inclusive student community.
  • Promoting accessibility on campus and zero tolerance towards discrimination.

2. Keep making the university and the Students’ Union more sustainable by:

  • Continuing the food waste initiatives which make food more accessible and affordable, and expanding these to a wider range of opening times and locations.
  • Step up lobbying the university to offer more sustainable food options.
  • Contributing to the university's strategy to achieve Net Zero by 2040 and developing a Net Zero Strategy for the Students' Union.
  • Keep pushing for free bus tickets for students and better cycling infrastructure.
  • Finish developing a “Tool library” with materials and equipment to borrow.
  • Organise the Envirolution Festival for the whole community.
  • Supporting climate activist groups in raising awareness about climate change and issues affecting vulnerable communities.
  • Continue improving green spaces to make our campus more suitable for wildlife, while collaborating with community groups and the City Council to connect green spaces.
  • Supporting the initiatives of the Environment and Ethics committee as well as societies and groups involved in environmental matters.
  • Collaborating to provide opportunities for students to develop skills in environmentalism.
  • Organising trips to bring students closer to nature while keeping active and improving wellbeing.

3. Keep fostering the feeling of belonging in the community by:

  • Improving engagement with students at Foresterhill campus, by bringing sustainability and sport initiatives.
  • Ensuring students' views are heard by the City Council.
  • Providing volunteering opportunities for students and promoting those offered by externals.
  • Keep organising International Fayres to celebrate diversity while supporting celebrations organised by societies.
  • Keep organising second-hand & local markets to support local businesses while providing students with the opportunity to shop for cheap.
  • Finish planning a language café scheme for migrants and refugees and homework support access for their children.

What unique skill/knowledge can you bring to the role to stand out from the other candidates? 

Having been involved in the Environment and Ethics Committee, The Secret Garden Society, AberGreen, Shared Planet Society, Conservation Society and Fridays For Future, currently being a NESCAN trustee, having been a COP28 delegate, and being a certified Carbon Literate, I have knowledge, contacts, experience in improving biodiversity and sustainability. Through my current role I've gained knowledge on how the university functions, and learned the best approaches to lobby higher ups.

What do you think is the biggest issue that students are facing at the moment and how do you plan to tackle it?

The increasing hostile environment that UK government is creating for international students, and the resulting harsh conditions these students face at University. I will continue working as a team on the Borderless campaign to continue lobbying the university and the UK government, to reduce the barriers for international students and create a welcoming environment and foster a feeling of belonging, for them to have a fair and equal student experience.