Young people from the ABC Youth Voice recently visited the Council Chamber at Craigavon Civic Centre, for an engaging event focused on local democracy and civic participation.
The event, organised through a partnership between Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Community Development Good Relations and Community Planning teams along with the Education Authority’s Youth Service, provided young people aged 15 to 21 with an opportunity to learn more about the role of local government and how decisions are made within their communities.
Members of ABC Youth Voice met with a number of elected representatives and gained a first-hand insight into the work of local councillors and the responsibilities they undertake on behalf of residents across the borough. A question and answer session gave participants the opportunity to raise issues important to them, share their views and hear directly from local councillors about the challenges and opportunities facing their communities.
Speaking after the event, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said:
“It is important that young people have opportunities to engage with local democracy and understand how decisions are made that affect their everyday lives. Events like this help strengthen connections between young people and their elected representatives, while giving councillors valuable insight into the issues that matter to younger generations. I was delighted to welcome ABC Youth Voice to the Council Chamber and to see their enthusiasm and thoughtful participation during the evening.”
Sarah Muldoon, Senior Youth Officer for Education Authority – Youth Services Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Area commented:
“Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Youth Voice is committed to ensuring that children and young people are not only consulted but actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. Local Democracy Week provided an excellent opportunity for members to engage directly with elected representatives, ask questions on issues important to them and experience democracy in action. Through a child and young person-centred, rights-based approach, young people prepared thoughtful questions, shared their perspectives and took an active role in discussions about their communities. By creating inclusive opportunities for participation and dialogue, we are helping to ensure that voices from across all seven DEAs are heard, valued and reflected in decision-making. The confidence, leadership and advocacy skills developed through experiences such as this empower young people to become active citizens and contribute meaningfully to their communities now and in the future.”
Elected representatives who attended the event included Alderman Mark Baxter, Councillor Kate Evans, Councillor Joy Ferguson, Councillor Keith Ratcliffe, Councillor Kyle Savage and Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd.
The event was part-funded through The Executive Office District Council Good Relations Programme.
