Youth conference aims to engage youngsters in local politics (From Watford Observer)
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Youth conference aims to engage youngsters in local politics
1:25pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News
Students from Bushey Meads School joined others from across Hertsmere for an all day youth conference on the workings of local government yesterday.
More than 50 pupils from five schools attended the all-day conference to take part in a number of activities including meeting councillors, a question time debate and a mock election.
The teenagers, from school Years 7 to 13, were given the chance to talk to borough councillors and grill them about their work at the authority.
Fiona Paul, youth and projects officer at Hertsmere Council said: “What’s really important about the event is it engages and encourages and young people to take an active role in politics.”
As well as discussing the role of the local council, the young people were encouraged to join in by political parties present at the event held at the authority’s civic offices in Borehamwood.
Other representatives included the Herts UK Youth Parliament, members of the Electoral Services department, the Hertswood Centre, the fire service and planning officers.
