Waterford youth dive into political realm
Leah, Guyne and Holly from the Mercy Secondary School with Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr Joe Conway.
Young people of Waterford got to take a look behind the curtain of the political process this week at the EU Mock Elections and Careers Fair.
The wide-ranging event was held in the vestibule of the Theatre Royal and the Dr. Mary Strangman Large Room in City Hall.
Over 300 students from the Déise attended on the day to learn about the importance of voting, how electoral politics works and what careers are open to them in the political sphere.
Students from schools, including Abbey Community College, St Paul's Community College and the XLC Project from the Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service (WSTCTS), came together at City Hall.
With the impending local and European elections, students were given the perfect opportunity to learn more about the democratic purpose and their own civic duty.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Joe Conway welcomed the students to City Hall and introduced them to the 'polling booth' where they would cast their first ever (mock) vote, giving them a glimpse into the real process.
Students were given the chance to explore the Career Fair where they could meet and talk with experts and professionals about the business of election.
Language Affairs Officer with the European Commission Representation in Ireland Pól Ó Grádaigh was there and spoke to the youngsters about career opportunities in language translation.
Mara Matthews and Mollie Mernagh of Comhairle na nOg were also in attendance to educate young people on the importance of their vote, and their voice.
Office Manager at Waterford Court Office Brian Leonard fulfilled the all important role of Returning Officer on the day of the mock election.
He explained to the students about the inner workings of counts and votes, essential knowledge regarding Ireland's electoral practice of Proportional Representation.
Several Waterford students delved into their own participation in civic action.
De La Salle student Caoilan Walsh spoke about his experience at the National European Youth Parliament earlier this year, representing his school.
Last year, Caoilan won for the South East region in the Europe Direct Soapbox Speechmaking competition.
Shane Horgan of WSTCTS recounted his experience of Erasmus exchanges in seven European countries.
Sinead O’Higgins, Senior Executive Librarian with Waterford City and County Council, said: “We’re delighted to see so many young people here that are not only curious about the democratic process and how it works, but also realising that their vote really can make a difference and their voices will be heard when they cast their first vote.”
Sinead added: “I’d particularly like to thank the 300 students who took part in the mock election, their teachers and the teams from Eurodesk, the Southern Regional Assembly, PACT Youth Diversion Project and Waterford & South Tipperary Community Youth Service for putting together a fun and engaging event that gave our young citizens an insight into the power of the democratic process.”
The EU Mock Elections and Careers Fair comes from an initiative led by Europe Direct Waterford, Eurodesk and Waterford City and County Council, with the support of the Communicating Europe Initiative at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Eurodesk is a European youth information network that spans 36 countries.
Created in 1990, the network encourages young people to actively participate in their own communities, and connects them to opportunities across the continent.
