Topic: Youth Parliament



Jack McCann



Politics and Youth 

Our main man has done it again! Jerry went and ordered up another top of the class visitor for us. So off we went to our usual haunt one fine winter's afternoon to hear out our latest victim/guest. And in walked the very fine Jack McCann, member of the Northern Ireland Youth Forum, elected member of the Youth Parliament, a youth politics activist. At 18 years of age Jack has a strong vision and has chosen to become involved in politics because he wishes to make an impact and widen thinking. He has already successfully campaigned to allow the right to vote at 16 and has negotiated reduced transport costs for young people.

 

Jack told us a little about his interest in politics. He has clearly contributed greatly to raising the profile of young people in politics both in Northern Ireland and more recently while at university in Warwick. He recognises that while young people represent 28% of the population they also form 100% of the future and he wishes to be a part of decision making. He regrets the media images of mask-wearing youths rioting on the streets of Belfast and wants to demonstrate that young people can better voice their concerns within the world of politics.

 

Jack is fully aware of the difficulties we face in Northern Ireland. When every issue is shrouded in bigotry and our politicians labour under over protected structures, it is nigh impossible to see how we might progress. With no opposition there is no debate and so deals are alternated between the DUP and Sinn Fein. Young people want change and this is not happening in Stormont and so they are turned off.

 

The Current Affairs group then came in with some interesting thoughts. It was suggested that in Northern Ireland we are lucky in that our politicians have a wealth of experience. We are governed by a body of people who are not career politicians but rather they are farmers, teachers, solicitors ........... even former terrorists. A motley crew, perhaps, but at least they have all worked at the chalk face. They are real people, without all the gloss, in touch with the people. What prevents them from making real impact is the system they have to struggle against. Many of our members brought up yet again the notion that perhaps if the SDLP and the UU were to leave they could form an Opposition and real debate could begin. This would require some changes in legislation but it is not inconceivable. The present structures have taken us so far but now that politicians talk to each other it is time and it is appropriate to introduce some changes.

 

One last interesting fact came out when our man Jerry asked how many of us are or have been involved in politics. It was refreshing to see that a good number of hands went up. Clearly many of us have some understanding of the difficulties of bringing about change and we are still committed to making an impact.

Topic - Shared Education Debate



Shared Education Debate Panel

MLA speaks out for single education system

 

Causeway U3A Current Affairs Group were the hosts today for an invigorating discussion on the Shared/Integrated Education debate with a prestigious invited panel of speakers including  (L - R) P J O'Grady, Ministerial Advisory Group on Shared Education,   Mervyn Storey, DUP MLA,   Helen Mc Laughlin, Vice Chair of NICIE, and Professor Alan Smith, UNESCO chair UU.

 

Mervyn Storey opened the debate with a reminder of the  first Minister's declared interest in instigating a fundamental change in the education system in Northern Ireland. He agreed with Peter Robinson that the present system was a 'benign form of apartheid' and that it was time to 'formulate a road map towards greater sharing and ultimately a single system.' Mr Storey recognised the huge challenges facing politicians. Ultimately all components will need to come to agreement.

 

The floor was then opened to Alan Smith who referred to the huge costs of running peace building programmes within a system of Shared Education and indicated that this could run to an extra £50m annually. He also questioned why teachers are being asked to compensate for the deficiencies in a flawed system with hugely increased workloads organising these programmes. Professor Smith referred to the evidence that children sometimes learn negative attitudes through these programmes and suggested that time and money would be better spent on scrutinising the ownership of our schools.

 

Dr P J O' Grady opened his debate with a reminder of the historical perspective. Faith schools have been around for some time and have long concentrated on forming the whole person. He argued that 'we walk on sacred ground' when we educate children. He further claimed that Faith Schools have accomplished a great deal in terms of developing good Cross Community relationships and they should continue to play an important role in our society.

 

Helen Mc Laughlin took up the challenge of the graveyard shift but talked to everyone with her common sense approach. Ms Mc Laughlin regretted how we 'deliberately pull apart our children at the age of 4' and send them to different schools. However in Integrated Schools children meet together in an ordinary, uncontrived way and they have the opportunity to learn about each other's traditions. Ms Mc Laughlin looks forward to a situation where Integrated Education is no longer another sector but a main contributor to one single education system.

 

The discussion was opened to the floor and a lively debate ensued. It was suggested that we consider a variety of models of education, such as that in Donegal Town where a radical approach has transformed the system. Reference was made to education systems in France and elsewhere. Many regretted the lack of provision for the growing number of children of no faith or different faiths and it was also suggested that we need to look at the training of teachers. It was largely agreed that there is now an appetite for change in Northern Ireland and that we should strike while the iron is hot.

 

Yet another vibrant debate for The Causeway U3A Current Affairs Group! Congratulations to the organisers and to all the participants.