Youth Council for East Suffolk?
More than 50 young delegates from seven East Suffolk schools took over the Council Chamber as youth ‘councillors’ for the day.
Pupils from schools from across the district were invited to take their seats for a first-ever simulation of East Suffolk Council, and to debate a motion on intergenerational political equality in East Suffolk.
The Chair of Council, Cllr Dr Anthony Speca, developed and oversaw the ‘Model District Council’ event as a centrepiece of his Chairship. He was joined on the day by Vice-Chair Cllr John Fisher, Leader of the Council Cllr Caroline Topping, and Leader of the Labour Group Cllr Peter Byatt.
A total of 52 pupils from Benjamin Britten Academy, Bungay High School, Castle EAST School, East Coast College, Pakefield High School, The Ashley School and Thomas Mills High School took part in the Model District Council, which was an all-day educational event.
Pupils were each assigned a ward and political party, and they were offered an experience that mirrored the real Council as closely as possible.
Supported by officers from Democratic Services and Communities teams, they first met in their political groups to consider the issue of how best to ensure that the youth voice is heard in East Suffolk. They then came together for a formal ‘Full Council’ meeting, with the Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent (GLI) group proposing a substantive motion, just like in the real Council.
Following robust debate and well-considered amendments from pupils in all the political groups, the youth ‘councillors’ then unanimously approved a motion to establish a permanent East Suffolk Youth Council.
Cllr Dr Speca said: “As Chair of Council, and as an educator, I believe it’s vital to engage youth in politics.
“The better future that we’re trying to help shape here at East Suffolk Council belongs especially to the youth of our District. It’s only fair that we listen to them, and our democracy will be stronger for it.
“I was tremendously impressed by how quickly the students grasped Council procedures, and how they worked together despite disagreements to pass their unanimous motion. And I’m humbled and encouraged by the positive feedback we’ve already received from participating pupils and their teachers.
“It’s now up to us to respond to the call for a permanent East Suffolk Youth Council, and I for one am keen to get to work on it.”
The Model District Council also included a keynote speech by Rhammel Afflick BEM, Head of Advocacy and Communications for the British Youth Council, public-speaking tips from Beth Derks, founder of the ‘Future Leaders’ programme at the University of East Anglia, a ‘marketplace’ event featuring information about careers and apprenticeships with East Suffolk Council, and an ‘Any Questions?’-style Q&A session with Group Leaders Cllrs Topping and Byatt.
