Kwasi takes part in Local Democracy Week

Kwasi joined pupils from seven local secondary schools at Spelthorne Borough Council's Offices in Knowle Green, Staines. They were taking part in events organised as part of Local Democracy Week, a national campaign which aims to promote democracy and electoral participation.

In an article for the Staines and Ashford News, Kwasi commented:

It was great to see so many children taking part in activities designed to encourage engagement with electoral processes and the workings of Parliament.

In a mock election, pupils were divided into teams of five or six, each representing an imaginary political party with different ideas. Each party, led by one pupil and would-be Prime Minister put their ideas forward and tried to drum up support and votes, which were cast in a ballot box at the end. Their enthusiasm was really impressive.

Finally, The Computer Grants Party, represented by Jay Simpson of Matthew Arnold School, and the Apprenticeship Choice at 14 Party, represented by Daniel Donohue of St Paul's College, emerged tied when the votes were counted.

To decide a winner, Jay and Daniel each made a final thirty second pitch on behalf of their parties. Both spoke concisely and really confidently, until Daniel was finally elected by show of hands. Congratulations to him for his brilliant effort.

The Council did an excellent job organising things, and I think the idea of engaging young people in democracy in this way is a really positive thing to do.

By getting children excited about political processes and by showing them how they can make a difference, they're much more likely to participate in our democracy when they get older. This can only be a good thing, and is what good democracy relies on: getting as many people involved as possible.

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