Leadership award for Kells student

Meath student Gráinne Owens was one of just 24 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate at the European Parliament’s offices in Dublin recently.

The competition, which is one of Rotary Ireland’s longest running youth projects, rewards young people with clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities. It is run in conjunction with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin.

Gráinne, who is a student at Eureka Secondary School Kells, received her certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor Kenny Fisher and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland.

Gráinne, who enjoys playing football, horse riding and playing the guitar also sings in her school choir. Before the trip, the TY student, who was representing Navan Rotary Club, said she hoped to pick up interviews skills and learn more about the European Parliament and Rotary.

“From the trip I gained a greater understanding of my own leadership skills in the context of my interests and youth work to date. I also gained invaluable experience about the interviewing process. The highlight of the trip for me was meeting so many new people. I have made friends for life and would recommend this trip to other girls in school. It was class,” she said.

The itinerary for the students’ week-long all expenses paid trip included visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg. In Belfast they received a private tour of City Hall, a tour of Stormont where they met several politicians including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and sat in the visitor’s gallery to watch MLAs discussing affordable childcare.

In Dublin they enjoyed presentations about the EU at the European Parliament Liaison Office before being presented with their leadership certificates. They then went on tours of the Seanad and Dail where they met several politicians including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the Minister for Education Norma Foley, Minister of State Jack Chambers and TDs Mairead Farrell and Alan Farrell.

They then flew to Frankfurt for a three-day visit to Strasbourg. After enjoying a walking tour of the city on arrival, the following day was spent at the European Parliament debating topical issues with other young Europeans at Euroscola, where students get to be MEP for a day. They also visited the European Court of Human Rights. On the last day they enjoyed a well-earned shopping trip in Strasbourg city-centre before flying home.

Kenny Fisher, District Governor of Rotary Ireland praised the student’s enthusiasm and willingness to engage with the programme.

“I have to compliment Gráinne and all of this year’s winners on two counts. Firstly, for the wide range of sporting and community-based activities they are involved in and secondly for the level of knowledge they displayed on a wide range of topics and the extremely high standard of their contributions throughout the week of this trip. It was wonderful to watch this group work and socialise together and we hope the bonds they formed this week will endure into the future.”

“While they might have arrived as strangers, we know they left as friends having enjoyed great experiences and a wonderful journey. I would urge as many young people as possible from every part of the island to take part in next year’s competition.”