VCB pupils "Talk Europe" at a Volunteer Now Seminar

In continuation of 2013 as the European Year of Citizens two Year 13 pupils from the College, Emma Gilmartin and Grace McEvoy were invited to Stormont with Miss McMackin to participate in an Active Citizenship Youth Volunteering event during which they presented the challenging motion "This house believes that young people do not have the opportunity to learn and develop through volunteering at home and abroad." The girls were commended on a very scholarly approach to an extremely controversial motion, considering the audience there present. During the event participants also had an opportunity to absorb updates on the European Union, and more specifically the role of active citizenship within the EU. Much discussion evolved during the event including consideration of youth volunteering as a catalyst for change and what it means to be European and the role of volunteering in the EU to augment learning and the development of new skills.