Why I like being a YDC councillor
Being a member of the Youth District Council is exciting and fun. As well as meeting new people, you can learn a great deal about local politics and help give "a voice" on behalf of young people in Fenland.
This is what some of the members think about being a member...
Bryony said;
"I joined the youth council because I was interested in improving fenland for young people. Since I joined I have taken part in many different things with the council, from the trip to the Houses of Parliament to helping with a street pride event, everything I have done with the YDC I have found interesting and rewarding.
My life is not all about the council, I am also in to drama, dance and singing and I also find that very rewarding".
Morgan said;
"I had no idea that I could have an influence on what happens in the area where I live and it has been a really good experience.
It also has a social aspect as I have made friends from other schools and we enjoy meeting up. I would like to see more people get involved in something like this".
Emma said;
"It's been a really good experience doing something like this at such a young age. The older generation get a say in what they want to do, but it isn't just about them. The YDC is a great idea as it gives us a chance to get younger people's voices heard".
Jim Grant, deputy head at Thomas Clarkson Community College, Wisbech;
"As a school, we are very keen to be involved in the YDC and the individuals who have been members this year have grown in maturity.
The YDC also gives them a platform to help overcome other emotions we all deal with in everyday life, such as shyness and expressing opinions in front of others".
Janice Holdich, Teacher at Neale Wade Community College, March:
"At Neale Wade we value student voice and have lots of systems in place so that our young people feel and trust that the college is listening and acting on their views and ideas. The YDC is another way to enagage students in not just their College but in their local town, villages or street"
Kevin Mann, Head of Lower School, Wisbech Grammar School;
"It has been very pleasing to see the growing confidence of the pupils of Wisbech Grammar School who represent our School on the YDC. I remember that they began the process with some degree of uncertainty and hesitancy. However, once the 'ordeal' of their first meeting was completed, they have gone from strength to strength. They have come back each time eager to tell me of the previous meetings events. They feedback into our Lower School Forum with details of their discussions and decisions and campaigns.
It is great to see young people involved and fired up. I would urge any pupil interested in local democracy as a first step to put themselves forward and get involved."
