Three Workstart students from Forth Valley College attended the Scottish Parliament’s Debating Chamber on Friday 24 March to discuss the important issues that affect their everyday lives.
The Your Scottish Parliament event was aimed at 16 -19 year old Further Education students from across the country and provided a platform for young people to have their voices heard on a range of ‘hot topics’ such as moving from school to college and how to tackle bullying.
As well as a live Q&A session in the Debating Chamber with the Presiding Officer – the Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP - the participants had the chance to have their say on a number of issues that are currently being debated in the Scottish Parliament. One of the discussions will centre on how to encourage younger people to vote in local council elections, an issue which is being examined by the Local Government and Communities Committee.
The Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, who chaired the session in the Debating Chamber said:
“The event is called Your Scottish Parliament for a good reason. We want young people to know that this is their Scottish Parliament and their voice matters.
“For many students attending Your Scottish Parliament, they may be at a turning point in their lives when they’re considering what to do next – there may even be some future parliamentarians. But whatever path they choose in the future, as they approach adulthood we want them to know that the Scottish Parliament is open and here for them.”
Access and Progression Curriculum Manager Alan Ritchie, who accompanied the FVC students on the visit, said:
“It was a great day and our students were among others from across the country who had a chance to influence and be heard, by the people making decisions in Scotland. I am proud of them and they represented Forth Valley College very well. They participated on the day and they experienced a real life example of how the parliament works for them.”