Students get up close to local democracy as council hosts event
CHILDREN and young people from primary schools across the borough were educated in local democracy during a special event that was held this month.
The borough council hosted an interactive session in the council chamber for 37 children from 12 schools, aged between 9 and 11-yearsold, as part of Local Democracy week.
Youngsters had the chance to talk to the Mayor, Councillor Jan Kirby, as well as councillors and senior managers about how the council works and the principles of democracy.
This year, the children also took part in a presentation on the suffrage movement and all those attending brought their own research information to read out; one young person even brought a banner and ‘women’s votes’ sash - signifying 100 years since women were given the right to vote in parliamentary elections.
Additionally, the children were able to discuss together just what they believe makes the ideal councillor, as well as the qualities that they think all councillors should possess.
Executive Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure at the Borough Council, Councillor Maureen Cook thanked the children for coming along and added: “Their thoughts and sug- gestions were beneficial and constructive, as well as inspiring and invigorating.”
The suggestions given by the children have now been put on display in the council chamber to remind the councillors what the younger generation are expecting of them.
At the end of the event the children were presented with a certificate and a full work pack outlining what they had learnt and the personal skills they had developed and explored.