Nearly a hundred pupils from 11 schools across Hertsmere, including Bushey, attended the council’s 12th Annual Youth Conference in Borehamwood.
The event, held on March 22, had a unique and highly creative opportunity to find out more about local democracy.
The pupils aged between 10 and 12-years-old, from Bushey Manor Junior School, Bushey Meads School, Hartsbourne Primary School and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School watched an interactive play performed by the Arc Theatre, which aimed to teach the young people about decision-making and democracy.
There was also an interactive session called ‘What does it cost to run Hertsmere?’, which explored the financial considerations and budgeting decisions local councils have to make.
During the afternoon, the young people were involved in the interactive play and then had an opportunity to vote in a mock-election.
Mayor of Hertsmere, councillor Brenda Batten, said: “This was another highly successful Youth Conference and it was great to see so many young people engaged in local democracy. During the day we spoke about the democratic system, how to make a choice and why it’s so important to vote. All the young people have been really engaged, excited and interested.”
“It’s so important for young people to learn about the world in which we live in and the decisions they will have to make in the future. These are our future voters, tax payers and decision makers, so it’s vital for them to understand their environment and what is going on in their community – it’s never too young to learn.
“I have been blown away by the young people who have attended today. They’ve been extremely engaged and focussed contributing interesting and different ways of thinking, they’ve worked well in groups, so I couldn’t have been more impressed.”
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