Euroscola - Lewis Faulds

ROTARY EUROSCOLA REPORTS

In the midst of the national debate about the UK role in (or out of) the European Union, members of the Bridge of Allan and Dunblane Rotary Club heard from Lewis Faulds who had recently returned from Strasbourg.  He had been selected from local schools for support by the Club as one of the Scottish Euroscolas who would  join with other young people from across the EU at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Lewis explained that in the Euroscola programme involves a group of about 600 students comprising representatives from each of the EU countries.  These young people are invited to spend time in Strasbourg discussing the work of the EU and the affect the membership of the EU will have on their future.  They do this in multilingual working groups, each of which comprises about 100 members.  Each working group discusses a current issue, and then chooses a spokesperson to present its conclusions to the participants assembled in a 'plenary sitting' in the Chamber of the European Parliament .  Then, following a debate in the Chamber, a vote is taken.  


Shortly after their arrival in Strasbourg, members of the group took part in an ice-breaker in which they were asked to discuss, in French, what they might be doing in twenty years’ time.   Some interesting responses emerged, including one member who thought that by then she would part of an independent Scotland space programme!  Then, in small groups, the members did their best to interview, again in French, members of the public in the Strasbourg streets to assess their views on a range of subjects.

Their visit also included an opportunity to do some sightseeing in Strasbourg, including a tour of the medieval cathedral and a visit to Petit France.

The climax of the trip was the debate in the Council Chamber of the Parliament.  In addition to being able to hear the variety of views expressed, it was a chance to understand something of what the membership of the EU and its institutions involves – a truly memorable experience. Issues debated included immigration, human rights and security, with a concluding vote on each taken.

On the final evening, his group arranged a ceilidh as a means of entertaining fellow delegates from a number of different countries.  It proved a great success, if at times a bit puzzling to those unfamiliar with Scottish dancing.

Lewis reflected on the value to him – and his colleagues – of the wonderful opportunity to meet young people from so many different backgrounds, and the chance to share with them, even for a short time, their views on the problems currently facing the Community.   

Lewis said that he was extremely grateful for the opportunity which the Rotary support had given him; he would always remember the experience.  

The meeting of the Rotary Club on Thursday 14 April will be held at the Westlands Hotel, Doune Road, at 6.00 for 6-30pm. The speaker will be Ken Reid, who will speak about the work of the Royal National Institute for the Bind. Visitors are always very welcome.  Anyone interested in attending should contact the Club Secretary, Iain Fraser at secretary@dunblanerotary.org.  Tel: 01786 822751.  More information can be found on the Club website: www.dunblanerotary.org.uk or the Facebook site: www.facebook.com/dunblanerotary.