Yesterday at Wallasey Town Hall was the Children’s Parliament Enviromental Debate. I was fortunate enough to be able to sit through the afternoon session. The council was chaired by the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs Alan Jennings. The debate was facilitated by the Chief Executive, Steve Maddox.
The afternoon opened with a presentation by the winners of the morning session which was Brookdale Primary School, Greasby. The quality of the presentation and the content was excellent.
The afternoon session commenced and was between five secondary schools, with four pupils from each. Interestingly all participants were girls. Apparently this was not contrived, but as two schools had to drop out last minute, it was only girls schools’ remaining. The schools taking part were Penby, Prenton, Weatherhead, West Kirby and Wirral.
The presentations and debate went very well with all rules, set out by Mr Maddox, being adhered to. The ideas and issues brought out by the girls were very enlightening and indeed I feel as usual, us ‘adult’ councillors could learn a thing or two by listening to youngsters!
The winner of the afternoon session was Wirral Grammar which was very well deserved. A few of the young ladies showed a natural instict for debate and could well end up being councillors or MP’s, one even started wagging a finger, whilst speaking!
A great afternoon proving that these youngsters have recognised the dangers that the enviroment is facing and are considering options available.