The European Youth Parliament and St. David's

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is an event organised by young people for young people who are interested in politics and our world today. This event is held annually in different regions of Ireland and is a highly competitive competition.

The participants are put in groups on a random basis in which they then discuss topics that were previously assigned to them by email. The groups then go on to debate these topics against other students.

We have a great tradition in our fine school of sending students to this event. It will come as no surprise that we do well in this competition and have done so for years, as St.Davids always promotes free thought, free speech and self-expression.

The students of our school have a great interest in current affairs and politics, so much so, that Politics and Society is offered as a subject for Leaving Certificate.

All these factors result in the St.David’s students always performing well at the European Youth Parliament.

This year was no exception as two of the St.David's students got through to the national finals of the European Youth Parliament competition. We were delighted to have got to this stage. It has been a wonderful experience, both in terms of learning and also of meeting new people from other schools.

We encapsulate the great St. David’s spirit of debate, tolerance of other people's point of view, competitiveness, energy, enthusiasm and voice. We are encouraged to think for ourselves in our school, guided by our Principal, Deputy Principal and subject teachers.

The entire schools support the European Youth Parliament competition and in doing so give us their full support.

We agree  in our school with Nelson Mandela that ‘ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’.

Gracie O'S and Norbert S (St. David's EYP Representatives 2019).