A high level of participation has been shown in the National Forum on Europe’s Transition Year Public Speaking Competition by Mayo secondary schools. Nine schools from Co Mayo entered the competition and with the initial round one heats completed, four schools have been selected to progress to round two.
The four successful Mayo schools are: Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh; St Gerald’s College, Castlebar; St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina; and Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Gortnor Abbey. The level of interest shown by both students and teachers has been astounding. Furthermore, the quality of all entrants has been superb with participants displaying excellent knowledge and insight into the EU. Jim Higgins MEP has welcomed the success of this year’s competition and the interest shown by those involved to date.
Mr Higgins said: “This competition was initiated as part of an attempt to help make young people more aware of the European Union and the effect it can have on their future. There is a serious concern amongst European political leaders about the high levels of apathy being displayed toward the European Union and this competition will help improve participants’ understanding of the workings of the EU.”
