More photos from Stormont Schools Debate 2008

—-

SDLP Youth and Young Unionists joined forces today to host a Schools Debate in the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The day was organised in conjunction with the NI Assembly’s Education Service.

Peter Armstrong, Chair of SDLP Youth said: “We were delighted to co-host the Schools Debate 2008. The event brought together young people from schools across the north to the Senate Chamber at Parliament Buildings for a cross-community debate on local and international politics.

“This was a very worth-while event as our aim was to bring more young people to the seat of local government.”

Alisdair O’Hara Organiser for the Young Unionists said: “I am extremely pleased with today’s event. It highlights that some political parties can still work together. In this instance we were able to bring sixth formers from various schools across Northern Ireland to debate some of the most relevant local and international issues.

“Engaging young people in politics is extremely important and being able to host this debate at Stormont was very significant”.

SDLP Youth have congratulated young students all across the north for the excellent results obtained this week at A-Level and GCSE. It is a great achievement and students should be extremely proud of themselves when the results in the north are once again out-performing those in the rest of the UK.

Speaking of the results, SDLP Youth member for West Belfast Matthew McDermott said:

“SDLP Youth are encouraging young people to take advantage of the educational opportunities afforded to them today, opportunities that many of our parents were not given, and stay on in education.

“There are a wide variety of options open to young people in the north. For those who didn’t get the grades they wanted, my message is not to panic – there are numerous ways to improve your grades and attend university if that was your intention. If not then options such as taking a trade, entrepreneurship or full-time work are available and provide great opportunities”.