Drogheda Educate Together Secondary School was one of six schools from around Ireland acknowledged for their participation in the European Parliament Ambassador Schools Programme (EPAS) at an awards ceremony in Dublin organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO).

The ceremony, which took place last week as part of the Europe Day festivities, included reflections from both ambassador schools and MEPs on their recent activities, as well as a chance for students to ask MEPs about their experiences 

After receiving certificates of participation as well as plaques for their respective schools, attendees heard speeches by Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of Office at EPLO Dublin, as well as by three MEPs: Regina Doherty (Dublin), Lynn Boylan (Dublin) and Ciaran Mullooly (Midlands-North West). 

Students had the opportunity to ask the MEPs questions during a Q&A session before giving presentations on their own EPAS experiences this year. Attendees also heard from Mary O’Keeffe, current Schuman Trainee at the EPLO, about her experience as an alumni of the EPAS programme.    

“I was incredibly impressed by the commitment shown by students from all over the Leinster area in contributing and taking part in this programme” said Ciaran Mullooly MEP. 

“I think the timing of this initiative could not be better. It comes at a time when we have seen in recent days that some members of the public in Ireland do not believe that their views are being represented by politicians in Europe or by the European institutions. 

“I think the Ambassador programme offers students and young people an opportunity to identify the scale of the work MEPs are involved in. I compliment the schools on the tremendous support and hard work put into it by their teaching staff as well as their students.” 

The EPAS programme raises awareness of European parliamentary democracy and European citizenship values among young people. Teacher training and resources are provided and a number of criteria must be fulfilled before the schools are awarded Ambassador School status at the end of the school year. This year marks 10 years of the EPAS programme in Ireland.