A Laois teenager has explained how her experiences with Laois Comhairle na nÓg has inspired her to pursue a life in politics.
Anna McWey, a Leaving Cert student in Heywood Community School, was recently selected along with 30 others to be part of the National Board of Youth Assembly Ireland.
Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities of the country, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies.
In light of the fact that Comhairle na nÓg is for young people under the age of 18 and who therefore have no other voting mechanism to have their voice heard, Comhairle na nÓg is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area.
The Ballyroan native explained how she believes that being part of the national board can enable her to help enact change.
She said: “Being one of only thirty young people chosen in the country to become part of the first ever National Youth Assembly is an extraordinary honour.
“I was filled with pride and excitement when I was chosen as a delegate. Being able to represent my school, my home village of Ballyroan, and my County in this Assembly is something really special.
“I hope that my voice can speak up for young people all across Ireland that have far too often been neglected.
“Now is the time to make the changes and I am delighted to be a part of that process.”
Anna’s time with Comhairle na nOg Laois will come to an end after she sits her Leaving Cert in June – but it has inspired her to continue in the field of politics afterwards.
She said: “During fifth year in Heywood I was given the opportunity to represent my tutor class on our school’s Student Council.
“While on the council I received an email with an application form for the Laois Comhairle na nÓg. I didn’t have to think twice before I applied.
“Comhairle na nÓg has allowed me to become engrossed in the world of politics through consultations on future policies with TDs and policymakers.
“Though this is an important aspect of the council it is not its sole focus.
“My time as a member of the Laois Comhairle na nÓg is almost over, however I would seriously recommend it to any young person as the opportunities I received have been amazing, both socially and for personal growth.
“After I complete my Leaving Cert this June I hope to study politics in college.
“I enjoy learning about different laws and policies and how we can integrate them to improve today’s society.
“Politics is a very powerful tool at the moment, and apart from the few sensational news headlines we are rarely aware of what takes place on a daily basis behind the scenes within our Government. For me politics is all about learning from history, improving the present and preparing for the future.
“At the moment young people that are eligible to vote don’t seem to understand the power they have to change the outcome of the future.
“It is important to make our opinions known when it comes to who will represent us in our Government.”
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