WIREDGOV

A one-day interactive event will help the young people (aged 16-25) to understand and learn more about how the European Union works.

The aim is to raise awareness of how Europe is governed and to consider some of the main issues affecting the EU today. It is designed to encourage them to think about the kind of Europe they want to be part of and the actions needed to achieve those aims.

At the beginning of the day there will be a live and interactive quiz session relating to the EU, and the young people will choose their answer using an electronic keypad. They will return at the end of the day to answer a selection of the questions again to see if their opinions have changed. 

The young people will interact and learn about different subjects relating to the EU by forming five groups, led by experienced citizenship trainers or teachers.  The feedback gained from the groups will be used to kick-start a debate with invited MEPs.

The subjects include human rights, migration, the environment and sustainable development, trade, economics and democratic structures in the EU.

An open floor debate on EU issues will be chaired by Alex Brown (a student from Sussex University) with panellists including Dr Charles Tannock MEP (Conservative), Gerard Batten MEP (UKIP) and Jean Lambert MEP (Green) along with university students who are passionate about involving other young people in debates on Europe.

Dermot Scott, Head of the European Parliament UK Office, said: “Citizens’ Fora like this are a great way of sharpening up your knowledge of the EU and having a direct exchange with your representatives. It is good for the MEPs to hear from engaged young people, whatever their views.”

Bernadette Joslin, Programme Manager for Citizenship at the Learning and Skills Network (LSN), said: “This event is a great citizenship learning opportunity for young people to come together to learn more about the European Union, and consider how they can get involved and have a say about issues that affect their lives.” 

The day follows a similar format following on from last year’s successful EurOpinions events, which were organised by the Learning and Skills Network for the European Parliament UK Office.

A further three EurOpinions events are planned for 2008/2009 in the cities of Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle. Participation in the events is free of charge.

Further details about the event in London (and the other three events), are available by viewing the following page: www.lsneducation.org.uk/news/index.aspx?ID=6370 Places are restricted so early booking is advisable. Queries on bookings can be made by calling LSN on 0845 071 0800.
  
Media contacts:
Lee Armitt at LSN, 020 7492 5142, larmitt@lsneducation.org.uk
Simon Duffin, European Parliament Office, 020 7227 4335/07786 060531 or Dermot Scott on 020 7227 4300.

Notes for editors
Please call Lee Armitt at LSN on 020 7492 5142 or email: larmitt@lsneducation.org.uk for venue details and for interview opportunities with the MEPs and young people taking part. Please see the attached
programme below for the London event. Pictures from last year’s events are also available upon request from Lee Armitt.  Photographers will also be present at each of the forthcoming events and pictures available after.

The Learning and Skills Network (LSN) is an independent not for profit organisation committed to making a difference to education and training. It is one of the two successor organisations of the LSDA www.lsneducation.org.uk

Post-16 citizenship education is a government priority and is linked with a range of major policy aims. For example, those set out in Every Child Matters (2004). It builds on learning from Key Stage 4 national curriculum citizenship, enabling young people to learn about their rights and responsibilities, and how society works.

Citizenship learning is active, reflective, learner led and community focused. It prompts and enables learners to take action on issues of concern and to make a difference in their local and wider communities.

The Post-16 Citizenship Support Programme is funded by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) and managed by LSN.  It aims to disseminate and support best practice in citizenship across all areas of 16-19 education and training, and improve cohesion and progression from key stage 4 citizenship to the post-16 phase. For further information visit the programme website: www.post16citizenship.org
 

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