During the week starting November 18, schools on St Helena participated in UK Parliament Week. This event is organized annually by the Speaker’s Office in the United Kingdom to increase awareness about the functions of Parliament and encourage young people’s involvement.
In preparation for UK Parliament Week, schools received a UK Parliament Activity Pack from the Speaker’s Office, along with a ‘Speaker’ teddy bear named “Mr. Speaker.” The teddy bear visited various schools, and activities were shared on social media by the Governor’s Office.
Councillor Gillian Brooks, serving as the Children’s Champion, led a program aimed at educating young people about how the St Helena Legislative Council and its new Ministerial system operate in relation to the UK Parliament. The goal was to inspire interest in legislative processes, politics, and democracy while encouraging engagement with the St Helena Legislative Council.
As part of this educational initiative, Councillors Gillian Brooks and Robert Midwinter visited all schools. Councillor Dr. Corinda Essex attended visits to the Council Chamber by two primary schools and spoke at Pilling Primary School assembly. Councillor Betty Knipe attended an assembly at Harford Primary School. The Legislative Council expressed gratitude towards teachers and students for their participation.
Councillor Gillian Brooks remarked: “It is always wonderful to see how engaged our young people are when it comes to topics such as how the parliamentary system works in St Helena, and what can be done to improve the lives of people living on the island. It was therefore a delight to be able to engage with all of the schools during UK Parliament Week.”
Photos from these events included St Pauls Primary learners visiting the Legislative Council Chamber and interactions between Councillors Gillian Brooks, Robert Midwinter, and Dr. Corinda Essex with learners in the Council Chamber.
