Press Release
Get the Picture! - Bridges students visit Scottish Parliament
Left to right: Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick, Nicole Mouat, Magnus Irvine, Zoe Henry, Scott Robertson, Lindsay Williamson.
Four students from the Bridges Project were joined by Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) for Shetland, Nicole Mouat at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Saturday. They met with over 150 other 16 to 25 year olds from all across Scotland to take part in “Get the Picture”, an event that aims to help young people to use a variety of media forms to showcase their views on issues that affect them.
There were a range of practical workshops to take part in; from photography skills and techniques, to street art and using social media to get their voices heard.
The Bridges Project submitted a short film to the Reporting Competition; a project that gave young people the opportunity to report on a local story that matters to them. Their film focused on living in Shetland when you are a young person on the edge of society and what emotions that brings.
Bridges student Zoe Henry said “I really enjoyed the experience and being able to take part in an event like this. This was my first time visiting the Scottish Parliament and the staff made me feel very welcome. It was nice to meet other young people from other parts of Scotland.”
The students and Nicole had the opportunity to meet with the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick. Nicole said “This event was really good for allowing young people the opportunity to see where the big decisions affecting them are made. It brings them closer to their parliament. Having been there previously, I was pleased to be able to share the experience with other young people.”
The young people were also able to take part in debates on topical issues affecting them within the main chamber. The three debates were:
- The success of Scotland’s students must not be compromised by financial worries; immediate action needs to be taken to ensure students don’t face poverty and hardship in pursuit of their education.
- There should be emphasis on the long term development of young people as part of the labour market; emphasising the availability of apprenticeships and placements.
- There should be increased LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) education and information in all schools to reduce stigma and homophobic bullying.
After the debate the young delegates were able to vote on the solutions that they felt would be most effective. The students alongside Nicole felt that the day had been enjoyable yet thought provoking.
Brenda Leask, Bridges Co-ordinator said “It is a great opportunity for young people in Shetland to have access to this event. To let their voice be heard and share their ideas about the future of Scotland.”
For more information about the event please visit:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/education/GetthePicture.htm