Bessbrook student a winner in Rotary Youth Leadership Competition

The competition, which is one of Rotary Ireland’s longest running youth projects, rewards young people with clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities. It is run in conjunction with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin.

Erin, who is a Year 13 student at St Paul’s High School, received her certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor Kenny Fisher and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland.

The itinerary for the students’ week-long all expenses paid trip included visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg. In Belfast they received a private tour of City Hall, a tour of Stormont where they met several politicians including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and sat in the visitor’s gallery to watch MLAs discussing affordable childcare.

In Dublin they enjoyed presentations about the EU at the European Parliament Liaison Office before being presented with their leadership certificates. They then went on tours of the Seanad and Dail where they met several politicians including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State Jack Chambers.

They then flew to Frankfurt for a three-day visit to Strasbourg. After enjoying a walking tour of the city on arrival, the following day was spent at the European Parliament debating topical issues with other young Europeans at Euroscola, where students get to be MEP for a day. They also visited the European Court of Human Rights. On the last day they enjoyed a well-earned shopping trip in Strasbourg city-centre before flying home.

Erin, who was representing Newry Rotary club, plays netball with her school team and gaelic football with her local club Carrickcruppen. The seventeen-year-old also plays the piano and clarinet and enjoys drama and public speaking.

“From entering this competition, I have learned how to deal with pressure and nerves when in interviews and to be confident when answering difficult and thought-provoking questions. I have also become more knowledgeable about topical issues.

The highlight of the trip for me was definitely the people. I have genuinely had the best time and I think I’ve made permanent friends. I also learned so much and had some wonderful conversations. I will probably never be in the European Court of Human Rights again so I’m so grateful. I would recommend this competition 110%. I will speak at assembly and try to convince younger pupils to enter it as it’s an opportunity they will not get otherwise.”

Kenny Fisher, District Governor of Rotary Ireland praised the student’s enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the programme.

“I have to compliment Erin and all of this year’s winners on two counts. Firstly, for the wide range of sporting, artistic and community-based activities they are involved in and secondly for the level of knowledge they displayed on a wide range of topics and the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week of this trip. It was wonderful to watch this group work and socialise together and we hope the bonds they formed this week will endure into the future.”

“While they might have arrived as strangers, we know they left as friends having enjoyed great experiences and a wonderful journey. I would urge as many young people as possible from every part of the island to take part in next year’s competition” Mr Fisher said.

Patrick O’Riordan from the European Parliament Office in Dublin said; “As we approach the European elections in June, we can all learn from the enthusiasm, engagement, and active citizenship of this exceptional group of young leaders. I look forward to seeing these very talented young men and women contributing to politics and society and improving lives in Ireland and Europe in the years to come.”

The Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition is open to 16 and 17-year-olds who are living on the island of Ireland. For more information go to www.rotary.ie