Young People Lead The Way - Local Democracy Week 2008

Pupils from secondary schools in the district will get the chance to debate in the Council Chamber, quiz Councillors, and make bids for funding for special projects for their schools, as part of a day of activities at Dover District Council on Friday (17 October).

The day is being organised by the Council's Democratic Support team as part of Local Democracy Week. This is the eighth in a series of popular annual events organised by the team. The day will include a 'Question Time' style debate, where students will be able to put questions to Cabinet Members, and a fun session where pupils will have the chance to quiz Councillors and award them marks. In the afternoon, students will be given the opportunity to bid for money to fund a special project for their school, with prizes of £600, £300 and £100 to be won, as voted for by the students on the day.

Pupils are attending from Archers Court Maths and Computing College, Astor College for the Arts, Castle Community College, Dover Grammar School for Girls, Dover Grammar School for Boys, St Edmund's Catholic School, and Walmer Science College. Students will be able to learn about the importance of local democracy, and the day will include information on DDC's Youth Strategy and the Dover District Youth Forum.

Cllr Mrs Julie Rook, DDC Cabinet Member for Community, Citizenship, Youth and Sport, said: "We are looking forward to another exciting event, and are particularly pleased that this year we have been able to offer schools the opportunity to bid for funding for their projects. We continue to work hard to listen to young people and to give them a real voice in how we move forward for the future. Local Democracy Week is a great chance to help and encourage young people to get involved in democracy, and it is always great to see young people taking such a lively and active interest in the decision-making process."