Press Releases
Pupils get political - Local Democracy Week round-up (PR1312)
Ealing’s young people enjoyed a variety of exciting events designed to mark this year’s Local Democracy Week.
The programme, which ran from 13-17 October, included a question time for teens, a mock Council meeting and political ‘speed dating’.
Pupils from North Primary School, in Meadow Road, Southall, debated topics ranging from the 2012 Olympic Games to proposed play areas in the community at the mock Council event in the Town Hall on Wednesday, 15 October.
The youngsters were also joined by Ealing Mayor Councillor Ian Green. He sat next to the school’s selected junior Mayor who chaired the proceedings and got to dress in the Mayor's junior ceremonial robes.
Youngsters from schools across the borough also competed against one another to become Mayor for the day. Ravi Kumar, aged 9, from West Acton Primary School, won the competition after he impressed judges with his innovative ideas on fight crime and help the environment. Ravi will now get to wear ceremonial robes while shadowing Mayor of Ealing Councillor Ian Green on his official duties for the day.
Teens also had the chance to grill local politicians at a special question time event hosted by BBC London’s Karl Mercer on Wednesday, 15 October. Scores of young people quizzed the panel about issues including youth crime, the credit crunch and Council services. The panel included: Council Leader Councillor Jason Stacey, Steve Pound MP Ealing North, Councillor Jon Ball, Police Chief Inspector Des Rock and Chair of Ealing Youth Action Riannah Gayle.
A political speed dating event at Featherstone High School, in Southall, concluded the week’s events on Friday, 17 October.
Students got to spend a few minutes each with ten Ealing councillors before scoring them on characteristics such as listening and approachability. The winner was Councillor Shabaz Ahmed, and second and third place went to Councillors Justin Anderson and Colm Costello.
Chief Executive Darra Singh said: “The week’s events were designed to highlight the importance of democracy to young people and I’m very pleased that there was such a positive response to the activities. Youngsters need to realise the importance of democracy and learn how they can have their voices heard.”
Interactive computer games to raise awareness about local democracy are also still available to play.
This event was sponsored by Thames Valley University, Sainsbury's and Matalan.