26/04/2012
Pupils from across Scotland will debate issues affecting them and their communities as part of an event taking place at the Scottish Parliament today.
The EurVoice Forum, being organised in partnership with the European Youth Parliament and the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Community Partnerships Team, will also see European and External Relations Committee Convener Christina McKelvie MSP taking part in a ‘Question Time’ session where the pupils will have the opportunity to pose questions on a range of issues such as youth engagement and human rights.
Committee Convener Christina McKelvie MSP said:
“I am delighted to be involved with an event which will see the future electorate of Scotland coming to their Parliament to discuss issues that affect them and the communities in which they live.
“Europe, and the decisions made there, affects all of our lives and it is encouraging to see the European Youth Parliament work with young people to help them develop their confidence and knowledge of the issues we face both nationally and internationally.”
Background
This is the first European Youth Parliament outreach event to take place in Scotland and follows similar events in London and Liverpool.
The event takes place on Thursday 26 April and the pupils will take part in a series of workshops where they will debate issues such as equal marriage rights, internet piracy and youth engagement. This will be followed by the panel discussion which takes place in Committee Room 2.
The aims of the event are:
- To create a platform for inclusion and the expression of views, which in turn will help develop citizenship, community and the desire for positive change among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- The development of confidence and the realising of potential in public speaking, team work and individual ability.
- Education around local, national and international issues, and the opportunity to become involved in the broader opportunities offered by EYPUK.
The European Youth Parliament United Kingdom is a politically unbound charity organisation open to young people aged 11-24. It seeks to realise the potential of young people through the strengthening of skills such as communication, teambuilding, trust and understanding