Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council recently hosted the finale of its Good Relations project, Pupil Voice, at Ulster University’s Diamond Hall in Coleraine on 26th February. The event was facilitated by Mark Carruthers and Peter Osbourne and brought together Elected Members and secondary pupils from 10 post-primary schools across Causeway Coast and Glens.
The Pupil Voice project aims to amplify the voices of young people, build their confidence and citizenship skills, and promote meaningful engagement with local political representatives.
During the finale, pupils had the opportunity to pose questions directly to Elected Members on party priorities and local issues that matter most to them. Councillors gained valuable insight into the perspectives and concerns of the emerging generation.
In the weeks leading up to the event, participating schools explored sensitive and topical issues through workshops with their shared-education partner schools. Pupils then identified the questions most important to them and presented them during a “speed-dating” style session with Councillors, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Mark Carruthers.
Speaking after the event, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“I was pleased to join my fellow Elected Members at this event with students from local secondary schools. It was heartening to witness such a genuine interest in local politics from our young people.
“The opportunity to hear their views and concerns was valuable and insightful. Engagements like this provide a meaningful platform to connect directly with young people in a manner that promotes open dialogue and fosters confidence from a young age.
“This programme demonstrates to students that they can engage with local representatives to influence positive change, and that their voices are both meaningful and essential.”
Sara Glendinning, Council’s Good Relations Officer, added:
“We are pleased to deliver another year of Pupil Voice for schools across the Borough. This project continues to be an important opportunity for pupils to engage with Council representatives on topics that are local and relevant to them.
“We’ve been delighted with the enthusiasm from schools and are grateful to our Elected Members for engaging so positively with young people from diverse backgrounds.”
The project received financial support from The Executive Office through the District Council Good Relations Programme.
For further information, contact Good Relations Officer Sara Glendinning at 07542 227759 or sara.glendinning@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.
Cllr Allister Kyle, Alderman Michael Coyle, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Oliver McMullan, Cllr Ciarán McQuillan, Cllr Amy Mairs, Cllr John Wisener, Cllr Darryl Wilson, Cllr Peter McCully, Cllr Cara McShane and Cllr Leanne Peacock at the finale of the Pupil Voice Good Relations project at Ulster University’s Diamond Hall, Coleraine.
Peter Osborne, Mark Carruthers OBE, Patricia Harkin (Good Relations Manager), Dr Paul McFlynn (Ulster University), Ciaran Meenagh (Education Authority), Paul Douglas (The Executive Office), Claire Johnston (The Executive Office), Sara Glendinning (Good Relations Officer), Julie Welsh (Head of Service, Leisure and Wellbeing), Pat Mulvenna (Director of Leisure and Wellbeing), and Joy Wisener (Good Relations Officer) at the finale of the Pupil Voice Good Relations project at Ulster University’s Diamond Hall, Coleraine.
Mark Carruthers OBE, Pat Mulvenna (Director of Leisure and Development Services), and Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Oliver McMullan, Councillor Oliver McMullan, pictured with pupils from secondary schools across the Borough, including St Mary’s Limavady, Limavady High School, Dalriada School, Ballymoney High School, Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, Loreto College Coleraine, Coleraine Grammar School, Ballycastle High School, and Cross & Passion College.
Mark Carruthers OBE, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Oliver McMullan, and Peter Osborne at the finale of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Pupil Voice Good Relations project, held at Ulster University’s Diamond Hall in Coleraine.