Successful Pupil Democracy: Threats and Opportunities Event at Girdwood Community Hub

Through a series of workshops from Fact Check NI, WRDA/Reclaim the Agenda, the Secondary School’s Student Union NI and the Social Change Initiative, pupils in their shared education pairs examined the threats which face our democracy, such as disinformation, the rise of the far right, racism and violence against women and girls. Pupils also explored opportunities for change, such as votes at 16 and improved civic and political education.

The event attended by St Genevieve’s and Strathearn, St Dominic’s and Friends School Lisburn, Rathmore Grammar and Methodist College and Belfast Royal Academy and Dominican College Fortwilliam, who have been working on this issue over a series of workshop sessions.  They brought their learning to the event to discuss with their peers.

The event hosted numerous Politicians from across Belfast, with a welcome from Lord Mayor Micky Murray.

Jayne Simms, Education Authority (EA) said:

“This exciting event provided our young people from schools across Belfast with the opportunity to share with our politicians the issues that really matter to them. We were delighted  to have the Lord Mayor attend and to speak with over 200 young people to Girdwood Community Hub. Our young people participated in workshops on issues such as violence against women and girls, social unrest and their contribution to civic society.”

This project is supported through funding from Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Action Plan, which is part funded by The Executive Office through the District Council’s Good Relations Programme.

Pictured: Pupils took part in a number of workshops including one with Raise Your Voice focused on sexual harassment.