Students have their say on the Wales they want to shape in a Democracy in Action event.
Hannah Blythyn MS met with pupils from Ysgol Maes Garmon, Ysgol Treffynon, St. Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, Castell Alun High School and Hawarden High School to discuss the issues they feel will shape the future of Wales and their own personal priorities for our community.
The democracy day event, which takes place annually, was held at Coleg Cambria Deeside Sixth. The Senedd Member for Delyn set up these sessions to allow young people to learn more about the democratic process and how they can shape it.
The Member of the Senedd for Delyn, Hannah Blythyn said:
“The views of our young people are important to our democracy, and it was good to welcome representatives from schools across the county to take part in the discussion.
It is a privilege to be a voice for young people and I look forward to taking their ideas and visions forward and working together to put them into action.
When I was their age, I didn’t think that I had a say or that politics wasn’t for somebody like me. So, I think it’s important they have an opportunity to learn more about what elected representatives do, but also to ask us questions and to act on their behalf.”
The Senedd Outreach Team gave the pupils an overview of what happens in the Welsh Parliament and who represents their area. Before Carole Green, from ITV Cymru Wales, hosted a Question Time style debate with the two MSs and the students.
Pupils cited matters such as the environment, school lunch menus, future work, and the recent 20mph policy. These issues helped shape the main activity of the day, which was the creation of their own ‘Youth Manifesto’. Each group gave a presentation to the Members of the Senedd on what changes they would like to see.
Alyn and Deeside Senedd Members, Jack Sargeant said:
“Our Democracy in Action Day was a great opportunity to hear directly from young people about their priorities, including mental health and climate change.
As the youngest ever Member elected to the Senedd I know just how important it is that young people have a say in what their future will look like.”