Our Youth Council and Young Leaders at the European Parliament
This summer, 18 young people aged 16–18 from our Youth Council and Junior Leader Programme travelled to Brussels for an exciting international learning and development experience.
One of the main highlights of the trip was a visit to the European Parliament, where the young people had the opportunity to learn more about the European Union, how decisions are made and how these decisions can impact young people and their communities.
As members of our Youth Council and Junior Leader Programme, the visit was particularly meaningful. It gave the young people an opportunity to see democracy in action and understand the importance of having a voice, sharing their opinions and getting involved in decisions that affect their lives and communities.
During their visit, the group explored the European Parliament and learned about its role in representing citizens from across Europe. This encouraged them to think about issues that matter to young people in their own community and the different ways they can make their voices heard.
The Brussels trip was also packed with opportunities for fun, cultural experiences and personal development. The group took part in team-building challenges at Prison Island, explored the city through cultural walks, visited the Banksy Museum and enjoyed a day at Aqualibi Water Park.
Travelling together and experiencing a new country gave the young people the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones while developing confidence, independence, communication and teamwork skills. They also experienced a different culture, met new people and gained a greater understanding of life beyond their local community.
For our Youth Council members and Junior Leaders, the trip was an opportunity to further develop their leadership and communication skills, while experiencing European culture and learning more about active citizenship.
Most importantly, the trip showed the young people that their voices matter. From learning about European democracy to reflecting on issues affecting their own community, they were encouraged to learn, participate, lead and be heard.
The Brussels trip created lasting memories and gave the young people experiences and skills that they can bring home and use within their own community. It was a fantastic opportunity to see young people from Cherry Orchard engaging with Europe, learning about democracy and discovering the importance of using their voices.
