Raphoe student reports on European youth event in Strasbourg – Donegal Daily
Tara Toye, a sixth year student at Deele College in Raphoe, recently stayed in Strasbourg as part of the European Youth Event.
She was part of a delegation of nineteen teams, who were challenged to “create change” in the world. In this article, Tara recounts her time at the international event.
“The European Youth Event (EYE) is the biggest event for young people in all of Europe. This year, the EYE brought together over 10,000 young people in Strasbourg to learn more about activism and share their thoughts and ideas on involving young people in politics and change, at local, national and international levels. .
“I attended the EYE as a delegate of the Organizing Office of European School Student Unions (OBESSU) as part of their European Change Makers Academy (ECMA) project. Our delegation was made up of 19 young people from Europe, who have experience in leading change. We had identified the skills needed and the steps to be taken to create change and our goal was to share them with other young people, who wanted to get involved in activism, through our “Next Gen Changemakers” activity.
“I got involved with ECMA by participating in the Irish Second-level Students’ Union (ISSU). ISSU is the national representative body for students in Ireland. ISSU works to represent, raise and defend the voice of students at the national level, and gives students the space to express their opinions. Being involved with ISSU has given me many opportunities, including attending EYE, and taught me countless skills.
“Being a student activist was the best decision I could have made, however, like anything, it can be overwhelming at times, especially alongside schoolwork. Attending events like EYE and meeting people from all over Europe with the same interests and sharing ideas is the best reward and form of motivation.
“The EYE had activities to interest everyone, from looking like an MEP to playing football blindfolded. We had the chance to explore the European Parliament building and see the city of Strasbourg.
“Honestly, it was such an amazing experience to have the opportunity to see the different ideas from all over Europe! The skills that I have acquired and the young people of Europe that I have been able to meet are unlike what I expected from this event. The EYE reinforced the fact that young people have opinions and that we deserve to be heard, respected and considered equal at the decision-making table.
The principal of the school, Mr. Joe Boyle, says that Tara’s selection in the European team highlights her activism and her ability to defend the rights of others.
“Tara has played a vital role in the life of Deele College for the past six years and has been such a positive influence in promoting the perspectives of students not only at our school, but students across the country.
“I am delighted that she has had this opportunity and I know that in the years to come, this experience will be invaluable as she moves forward on her chosen career path. At Deele College, we are extremely proud of what she has accomplished and her recognition is well deserved.
Raphoe student reports on European youth event in Strasbourg was last modified: 20 October 2021 through