A new video has been created to emphasise the importance of young people understanding and getting involved in politics. The video features a 10-year-old student asking questions to Deputy Michelle Le Clerc on island-wide voting and Guernsey’s government.
@TheStates, the one-stop educational guide to the workings of the States of Guernsey, has been fully updated following the changes to the island’s political system.
The educational programme, available online, was launched in 2011 by the Ana Leaf Foundation. It targets students, teachers and newcomers to the island interested in finding out about Guernsey’s governmental system, its history and how to vote.
It includes information on how laws are made in Guernsey, what a Deputy does, how to become a Deputy and who can vote as well as containing a new page on island-wide voting. There is also a glossary with more than 30 terms.
A teacher resource pack on island-wide voting (download it here) has also been produced for schools and includes ‘did you know’ facts, tasks for the students, a quiz and more.
Deputy Michelle Le Clerc, who has been integral to the initiative, said: “The @The States resource pack has been a great aid to help young people learn how the Government of Guernsey works. Many young people have some experience of elections as they participate in electing a school council. I’m therefore delighted to be part of this initiative in helping them understand the recent electoral changes and the introduction of island-wide voting”.
Hayley de Putron, a trustee of the Ana Leaf Foundation, said: “@TheStates is designed to educate young people on the workings of the States and to inspire them to take an interest in their island’s political system. We hope that at some point in the future they want to get involved, whether this is just by having their say, voting or wishing to become one of our future political leaders. We always receive a great response from the schools and hope that this continues to be a valuable resource for years to come”.
@TheStates also provides an opportunity for Deputies to go into schools and speak to students about their role and how the government works. As well as a Twitter page with the latest @TheStates and political updates.
The Ana Leaf Foundation supports community projects, particularly educational initiatives, and the update of resources is a continuation of this commitment.
