Over the last few weeks a group of students have been kept busy organising an important event at St Patrick’s Boys’ Secondary School.
The organisers are hoping that Student Council Democracy Week will become an annual event at the old and high achieving college.
“Our goal is to further educate students on the important concept of democracy in a more interactive manner,” said spokesperson, Art O’Mahony.
“The event took place over a five day spell. Minister of State, Jimmy Deenihan, TD launched the week and he also delivered a key-note speech to 5th and 6th year students on his work in the government as well as the work of Leinster House,” said Art.
You’d think the organisers could rest on their laurels after such a high profile, political opener.
However, they had another hugely important figure waiting in the wings: Former Labour Party leader and Tánaiste Dick Spring also agreed to add his considerable name to boost the students’ initiative.
Mr. Spring dropped into third year and transition year classes on Thursday.
“He told us about his career in politics and he spoke on the importance of democracy and we are really grateful to them both for their commitment to our first event,” said Art.
A first- year, student council election, essay competitions on democracy, poster contests and debate classes were all included in the politically hectic week’s schedule.
“Staff members of the school have been very generous in offering their time for key-note speeches and giving crash courses on how democracy coincides with their subjects – and we’re thankful to them for their input into the event,” Art concluded.
