Reportagem da Francisca Esperança

THE EUROSCOLA JOURNEY

​The 12th of December was the day in which a lot of people, namely students and teachers, got the opportunity to be heard in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg. This was definitely a flabbergasting experience, especially since it was the first time of many. This was the day in which we got to understand how things really work at the parliament. 

​It is very much a part of the younger generations nowadays, to disregard political matters. However, this ignorance is alarming and should be solved by trying to find ways to captivate the youngsters towards topics of great importance, which have a significant impact in our lives. Activities like Euroscola portray the perfect way of catching this generation’s attention and engage them in the political environment.

​The day started with the presentation of the countries involved. These presentations were crucial since there was a wide range of cultures. This process occurred in the chamber where, later, the debate would take place. This way, having this introduction not only helped to the better understanding of the cultural diversity, but also contributed to a certain relaxation later on, in the actual debate, since we already knew what we would be encountering. 

​Subsequently, the participants had lunch in which had the opportunity to meet and interact with distinctive cultures, while playing a game which had to be played with 4 elements, all from different nationalities. It was the Eurogame, an entertaining activity with questions of common knowledge about Europe. 

​After lunch the deputies for the day gathered in groups and went to discuss their topics, them being the environment and renewable energy; security and human rights; young people, alcohol and drugs; the future of Europe; migration and integration and youth employment. Meanwhile, the young reporters attended a press conference, in which they got to ask the questions they had prepared in advance, having, this way, the opportunity to get more information on certain topics. After the conference we got the chance to visit some of the rooms where the groups of the aforementioned topics gathers to discuss their issue. 

​Later in the afternoon, all the elements gathered in the chamber again, so that the debate could begin. Then the discussion went on, in which the spokesperson of each group would present their previously argued measures for about 3 to 4 minutes, and then people from the audience would be able to ask questions until the clock marked the ten minutes. After that all the spectators were encouraged to vote, deciding if the measures should or not be approved. This went on for all the six groups, and after all this afternoon filled with hard and challenging work, there was the final round of the eurogame to decide which of the 4 best groups, was the winner, creating a light atmosphere after all the tension faced. 

​This was unassailably a remarkable day for the participants. It was the day in which we had the opportunity to be heard and understand the power of our voice and, despite often times not being taken seriously, due to our young age, we ought not to give up, but keep trying to improve the future that belongs to all of us, the future of Europe.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, STRASBOURG, THE YOUNG REPORTER, FRANCISCA ESPERANÇA