Causeway Coast and Glens Council Pupil Voice event brings elected members and school pupils together promoting active engagement!

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens has joined Elected Members for the concluding Pupil Voice workshop in Ulster University, Coleraine.

The workshop, held in the University’s Diamond Hall at the end of February, was the finale of a series of events funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme. The initiative, organised by Council’s Good Relation team, was facilitated by broadcaster Mark Carruthers and Peter Osborne from Rubicon.

Pupils enjoyed an opportunity to speak directly with elected members about the issues which matter to them at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Pupil Voice event.

As part of the programme, representative pupils from the post-primary schools had discussions with elected members from parties across the borough. The day finished up with a panel of elected members taking questions directly from the young participants.

The youth leadership project involved 16 post-primary schools and focused on promoting the voices of young people. These workshops have been taking place in schools over the last few months and have explored both sensitive and controversial issues in a way that promotes respect for different views and opinions.

Speaking after the event Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said: “I was delighted to attend the Pupil Voice workshop and speak directly to the students about issues that directly affect them.

“I was also pleased to join with my fellow Elected Members for speed questioning from students around different schools and it was encouraging for us all to see so many young people with a real interest in local politics.

“It was interesting to hear their thoughts and concerns, and the workshops have highlighted the importance of building confidence, resilience and leadership skills from a young age. These events have enabled myself and my fellow Elected Members to engage directly with young people in a way that encourages open discussion and debate.

“I hope that both this concluding event and all the Pupil Voice workshops Council has been involved in over the last few months, have highlighted to students that they can make a difference, and use their voice to do so.”

The workshop provided students with an opportunity to become more aware of their local Elected Representatives and ask them questions about their party, their priorities and what they are doing to address the issues that are important to them as young people in the Borough.

It also served as a platform for Elected Members to meet with young voters of the future and engage with them to understand their views and concerns.

The broadcaster Mark Carruthers facilitated the debate between the students and councillors. Commenting on the project he said: ‘It’s always uplifting to see such constructive engagement playing out between elected representatives and young people. Perhaps now more than ever it’s critical that the upcoming generation of voters are encouraged to participate in a civic conversation that’s welcoming and that ensures their views are properly listened to. This event always makes sure the space is allowed for that to happen.’

Eilish Gormley from the Education Authority Shared Education Department said: “The EA are delighted to be involved in this collaboration with CCG BC, Ulster University and our schools. The EA promotes, encourages and facilitates Shared Education partnerships among schools, across Northern Ireland. By learning together in Shared Education partnerships, pupils have opportunities to build relationships and develop an understanding of and respect for their own and others culture and identity. Events like this Pupil Voice conference, provide great opportunities for pupils to build confidence, resilience, citizenship, leadership, and raise awareness of diversity among young people. Events like this help young people consider and value their role in society and promote active engagement in the civic life of the Borough Council and the political structures in Northern Ireland.”

This project supports the Education Authority’s existing Mainstreaming and CASE Shared Education Partnerships for schools within the Ballymoney, Limavady, Dungiven, Coleraine and Ballycastle areas. It has helped embed Shared Education, and gives pupils a chance to work with their current partner schools while meeting and collaborate with others.

Gerard McIlroy, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations added: “We are pleased to offer this Pupil Voice project to secondary schools across the Borough. Year on year, the project has grown and is being replicated by other councils across Northern Ireland. We are proud that the project allows students to engage in shared learning experiences focusing on the promotion of the voice of young people, exploring sensitive and controversial issues that are relevant to them, while helping build confidence, resilience, citizenship, leadership skills, and raising awareness about diversity which has accumulated in them having the opportunity to engage with their local council representatives to ask the hard-hitting questions pertinent to them. We are delighted with the response from schools and it’s great to see our elected members from across the political spectrum getting together with some of the area’s younger residents and listening to the discussions that emerge. This project is pivotal in bringing young people from different backgrounds together while also allowing their voice to be heard by elected members regarding local issues.”

One of the participating pupils from a Coleraine school made the following comments on the day’s proceedings: “I found the round table discussions very informative. It was a great experience putting questions to local Councillors from the different parties. I would strongly recommend other pupils to take part if they have the opportunity in the future.”

A pupil from one of the schools in Ballycastle commented: “Having open discussions on items that concern me has been great. This whole project has given me understanding to how local democracy works in our borough.”

This project has received financial support from The Executive Office. For further information, contact Good Relations Officer Gerard McIlroy by telephoning 07517498458 or by emailing gerard.mcilroy@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.