Council’s Women’s Working Group Announce Winners of ‘Dragons’ Den’ Events held during Local Democracy Week
Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Women’s Working Group celebrated Local Democracy Week 2021 by hosting ‘Dragons’ Den’ style events with six schools from across the district.
Four students from Down High School, Downpatrick; St. Colman’s Ballynahinch; St. Joseph’s Crossmaglen; St. Louis, Kilkeel; St. Mark’s, Warrenpoint and St. Mary’s, Newry debated a ‘Notice of Motion’ on the theme for Local Democracy Week 2021: ‘Protecting the environment, local communities take action.’
The Council’s Women’s Working Group met to choose the overall winning ‘Notice of Motion’ and have announced that Down High School, Downpatrick are the winners.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, said, “I would like to sincerely thank the students and teachers from each of the six schools for participating in Local Democracy Week.
“The views presented by each of the students to the ‘Dragons’ panel’ were thoughtful and insightful, and I thoroughly enjoyed the lively and engaging debates.
“One of the Council’s strategic objectives is to empower and improve the capacity of our communities. From listening to the debates, I have no doubt that each of the students will continue to make an invaluable and positive contribution to our local district, as well as acting as great ambassadors for Newry, Mourne and Down in the future.
“I wish you all well in your studies and I can see that you have a very bright future ahead. I would also encourage any of you who may be interested, to consider becoming a Councillor in the future as it is a great way to positively contribute to your local community”.
The students put forward their ideas on organising an Eco-Fun Day and tree planting event for the local community to promote and demonstrate the Council’s commitment to Climate Change.
Members of the ‘Dragons’ Panel’, which consisted of Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason, along with six Councillors who sit on the Women’s Working Group and Dorinnia Carville, Council Director of Corporate Services, felt the Motion was very informative and complimented the many initiatives that the Council are currently involved with.
The winning debating panel made up of Sixth Form students Cherith Woods, Anna Shiel, Sara McGeown-Hamilton and Ashia Erskine will be invited to attend the Council Meeting in the Downshire Civic Centre on 6 December 2021 at 6pm to present their winning Motion to Council and agree a way forward to develop the ideas contained within the Motion.
