The European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin was delighted to join with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington DC in bringing the Bridge the Pond initiative to Ireland. This initiative sees secondary school students in the European Union debate and discuss key topical issues with high school students from the United States. Bridge the Pond linked students from the King’s Hospital School in Dublin with students from Blacksburg High School in Virginia. They met for the first time in an online event on 27 January with MEP Maria Walsh and the Mayor of Blacksburg Virginia, Leslie Hager-Smith in attendance.
Over the coming weeks, the students will discuss their selected topics such as: climate activism and sustainability, digital citizenship and social media, and studying abroad before presenting their findings at a closing event scheduled for 3 March. By providing the opportunity for students to connect and discover their respective cultures and the issues faced by their societies, the project aims to promote dialogue among young people on both sides of the Atlantic thus contributing to the foundations upon which EU-US relations are built. The first edition of Bridge the Pond linked up high school students from Verona, Wisconsin and Espoo, Finland.
Viki Malcolm, Senior Schools Ambassador at The King’s Hospital School said: “As a European Parliament Ambassador School, we are delighted to be involved in the Bridge the Pond project. By taking part in this programme, students will gain a greater understanding of the European Union and the democratic process. Furthermore, they will be supported and encouraged by the project mentors and, crucially, by their peers to become active citizens who understand that collaboration and cooperation is the way to make their voices heard and effect change.”
Maria Walsh MEP, said: “”I was delighted to take part in this initiative, and commend the EP Liaison Office in both Dublin and Washington for their work. It’s important that we have younger voices at the decision making table. They make the conversation richer and more inclusive. Ultimately, the fundamentals of making positive change in society is when we ensure all voices are listened to, compromise is made and negotiations had. That’s what makes the difference to our citizens and we are understanding of each other’s view points”.
