Guildhall open fordemocracyweek

“Local Democracy Week is an annual European-wide campaign that aims, on a national level, to raise young people’s awareness of how local Councils operate,” she said.

“It informs them about opportunities for taking part in local decision-making and, as a result, draws attention to how their involvement in local affairs is crucial in upholding local democracy.

“Derry City Council is offering a range of opportunities for local schools and colleges to learn more about, and get involved in, Local Democracy,” she added.

The Mayor said that Local Democracy Week was an important opportunity for Councillors to engage with young people on a face-to-face basis about their roles, outlining how Derry City Council currently operates and how it will change moving into the new ‘Super Council.’

The Mayor said: “By listening to young people’s views we hope to gain a better understanding of what is important to them and help empower young people about how they can get involved in the local democratic process.

“It’s been great that so many young people have engaged in Local Democracy Week over the last few years and have made their voices heard. We want this year to be even better and hope that as many children and young people as possible take part in the events. Local Democracy Week is an excellent way to learn how decisions are made at Council level and what we are doing to make our City a great place to live.”

Further details can be found at www.derrycity.gov.uk/localdemocracyweek