ELEVEN schools in Newry, Mourne and Down stepped into the council chamber at the Downshire Civic Centre on Friday (17 October) to take part in the district council’s Dragons’ Den–style initiative for Local Democracy Week.
Students were invited to present a Notice of Motion – a proposal on an issue they would like debated by the local council – directly to a judging panel made up of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council chairperson Philip Campbell, alongside members of Newry Mourne and Down Youth Voice and the council’s Women’s Working Group.
After a series of impressive pitches, covering issues from diversity and education to environmental protection and community facilities, the winning team was announced as St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, for their proposal that young people should be better prepared before voting at 18.
Their motion will now go forward to be debated at a future full meeting of the district council.
The council chairperson said: “The creativity, confidence and passion shown by all of the students was truly inspiring. Each Notice of Motion reflected issues that matter deeply to our young people, from protecting the environment, celebrating unity and diversity to improving community facilities.
“Congratulations to St Louis Grammar School on their winning idea, which demonstrated both vision and real impact.
“I look forward to seeing their proposal brought before the council for debate.
“My theme this year is ‘empowering young people’, and today’s event has been a powerful reminder of why it is so important to give young people a platform and ensure their voices are heard in local democracy.”
Other proposals presented on the day included:
A ‘Unity in Diversity’ youth celebration event (Blackwater Integrated College).
Building a multi-activity complex for youth aged 10-16 in the Kilkeel area (Kilkeel High School).
Reinstating fountains in Newry Canal and investing in eco-friendly litter removal (Newry High School).
Reducing single-use plastics (Newtownhamilton High School).
Tackling violence against women through education (Our Lady’s Grammar School).
A joint university and school leavers information event (Sacred Heart Grammar School).
Enhancing diversity in the community through language and education (St Malachy’s High School).
Developing a shared community space in Crossgar (St Colmcille’s High School).
Expanding recreational facilities for teenagers outside traditional sports (St Joseph’s Boys’ High School).
Increasing funding for women’s hostels across the district (Shimna Integrated College).
Local Democracy Week is a Europe-wide initiative that highlights how councils work and encourages young people to engage in local decision-making.
For more information on Local Democracy Week, visit: www.newrymournedown.org/local-democracy-week
