Youth conference shows young people the importance of politics (From Borehamwood Times)

Youth conference in Borehamwood shows young people the importance of politics

1:01pm Thursday 2nd February 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

Pupils from schools in Hertsmere took part in an all day youth conference to learn about the workings of local government today.

More than 50 pupils from five schools, including Hertswood School and Yavneh College, took part in a number of activities at the all day conference, including meeting local councillors, a question time debate and a mock election.

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.”

The event, Hosted by Hertsmere Borough Council at the Civic Offices, in Elstree Way, Borehamwood, showed pupils into how the borough council works.

The pupils, from years seven to 13, were given the chance to talk to borough councillors and grill them about their work in local government.

Citizenship teacher Ed Evans from Hertswood School said: “This event really shows the pupils how politics affects them and how they can make a difference.”

There were also a number of stalls at the event showing the different ways young people can get involved in politics.

There were stalls from the Herts UK Youth Parliament, Electoral Services, the Hertswood Centre, Fire Service and a stall showing the work of the planning department.

Also included in the day’s events was a screening of a film and an interactive show and quiz by the Flip Theatre Company, demonstrating the importance of democracy.