Summer 2017 Summer 2017 | Page 28

Three fifth year students from St. Paul's Community College, Waterford accompanied by school principal Ms. Noreen Reilly and teacher Ms. Jessica O' Leary recently travelled to the European Union in Brussels for a once in a lifetime trip. The students were chosen to represent Ireland at the Your Europe, Your Say event organised by the European Economic and Social Committee.

Jack Bray, Daniel McSweeney and Dylan Thomas joined 100 students from the 28 EU countries and 5 candidate countries to discuss issues affecting young people across the European Union. Speaking at the event, EESC Vice-President Goncalo Lobo Xavier remarked that “The big reward is to meet people from everywhere and to mark your position on the future of Europe”. Student Daniel McSweeney said it was "an honor to represent my school and country in the EU and get the chance to speak about issues which affect us with other EU citizens our age”.

As the students assumed the role of policy makers, teachers also got involved by attending seminars on best practice for teaching young people about various aspects of the EU. Jessica O’ Leary, Economics teacher at St. Paul’s Community College described the event as “the perfect example of taking learning out of the classroom and giving students the opportunity to become agents of their own learning and promoting the important role of young people in the future of Europe. Students had the chance to develop key skills in areas such as problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills”.

The students also took the opportunity to showcase Irish culture sharing a piece combining Irish music, dance and hurling to the delight of their new friends. The trip concluded with students spending time absorbing Belgian culture by trying local delicacies such as friteries and waffles and visiting tourist attractions in Brussels including the Grand Place and Atomium.

The trip was an unforgettable experience for all involved with students returning to school to begin investigating careers such as diplomats and interpreters in conjunction with the College for Every Student Programme which operates in St. Paul’s Community College. Click on the video below or more photos of the event can be found on www.stpaulswaterford.ie