8/11/23

Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry, popped into St David's Church in Wales Primary School in Pentwyn recently to talk to pupils about local democracy and hear their views on issues that matter to them.

The visit was part of a programme for schools organised by the Council'sElectoral Services department to engage children and young people with the democratic process. Teachers can sign up to become a ‘Democracy Ambassador' and accessa wide range of ready-made resources, CPD training and ideas to implement in the classroom.

As part of theDemocracy Ambassadors Programme, the Council works with the Politics Project who provide the Digital Dialogue scheme tohelp schools deliver the ‘ethical, informed citizens' purpose of the new Curriculum for Wales. 

The Politics Project, a democratic education organisation, is supporting the Democracy Ambassador Programme by enabling teachers to deliver Digital Dialogue: Wales, a scheme that allows pupils to ask their local politicians questions about issues that matter to them.

 
Cllr Merry spent time with Yr 5 pupils explaining about her role at the Council and answering their prepared questions on a variety of matters.

Cllr Merry said: "I had a brilliant visit to St David's Primary. The children I met asked really intelligent questions and I hope I was able to give them an insight into how the council works and how they can get involved with local democracy. The aim of the project is to create a meaningful dialogue between politicians and children and I think we achieved just that at St David's."

Democracy Ambassador at St David's Primary, Allyson Underhill-Jones said: "We are thrilled to be part of the Digital Dialogue programme through the Democracy Ambassadors Programme at St David's CiW primary and are delighted that we can provide this opportunity for our children. It is crucial that children have the opportunity to engage and learn about politics from an early age and this early exposure inspires children to voice their opinions, builds social awareness, and nurtures future leaders. 

"It equips children with the knowledge, skills, and values to be agents of positive change in a democratic society and encourages children's political awareness and involvement as an investment in the future of democracy and a more engaged, empathetic, and well-informed society."

If you are a Cardiff teacher interested in delivering Digital Dialogue: Wales in your school, you can sign up to the next online training session on Wednesday, November, 15 (3.30pm - 5.30pm) -Please sign up here

If you're interested in this training but cannot commit to the above session, or would like further information about the Democracy Ambassadors Programme or Digital Dialogue: Wales, please get in touch:selma.abdalla@cardiff.gov.uk