Holy Cross College pupils participate in Local Democracy Week event

NINETEEN pupils from Holy Cross College had an opportunity to engage with local councillors during a 'Meet Your Local Elected Representatives' event.

The event was held in council chambers in Strabane last Wednesday morning as part of the Local Democracy Week programme hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Leaders of local parties had the opportunity to share how their party has supported young people to date and the plans to support young people in future.

Political representatives answered 'quick fire' questions put to them by young people.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, councillor Ruairí McHugh, who attended a number of events throughout the week, said he was delighted to be a part of such an important initiative.

“Local Democracy Week is one of the most rewarding times in our civic calendar," he commented.

"It gives young people the opportunity to see that their voices truly matter, that their opinions count and that they have real power to shape the future of the place they call home.

"We want to inspire a generation who are confident, informed, and actively engaged in local democracy."

He added: "It’s particularly special this year as we just received international recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community.

"We always value hearing directly from our young people, taking their feedback on board and using their insights to strengthen how we work, ensuring that our city and district remain inclusive, positive, and responsive places for everyone in Derry and Strabane.”