Moate student Eimear Keenan was one of just 24 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate at the European Parliament’s offices in Dublin recently.
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 and Euroscola in Strasbourg.
Eimear, who is a student at Moate Community College, received her certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor Captain Sean Fitzgerald and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland.
After being disrupted by Covid for the last two years, this year saw a welcome return to the regular itinerary which involves visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg. During the six day all expenses paid trip the competition winners visited Belfast City Hall and Stormont where they met and chatted with politicians from various parties.
Then it was on to Europe House in Dublin where they were presented with their certificates before a trip to Dail Eireann where they met the Minister for Education Norma Foley and several elected representatives.
They then flew to Frankfurt for a two day visit to Strasbourg. After being formally welcomed by the President of the European Parliament, Robert Metsola the students took part in an interactive workshop which allowed them to discuss and vote on amendments to an EU proposal on climate action targets.
Eimear, who hails from Ballycumber, is a member of her school’s Student Council and is actively involved in Junk Kouture. She said she would highly recommend entering the competition.
“We learned so much about the process of passing laws, both here, in NI and at EU level. We also learned how to use teamwork and effective communication to achieve a goal. The highlights for me was making new friends, visiting government buildings and learning about the history of Irish and Northern Irish politics. This trip has been a life changing experience," Eimear stated.
Captain Sean Fitzgerald, District Governor of Rotary Ireland, said the knowledge and enthusiasm of the students was hugely impressive.
“I have to compliment Eimear and all of this year’s winners for their willingness to engage and the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week. It was wonderful to have a full complement of students back on the trip this year and it was clear to us that while they arrived as strangers, they left as friends having enjoyed 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 Fitzgerald said.
