Widening Access to European Politics - Working with National Scholarship Partnership schools and colleges
Thursday 2 May 2013
Political analyst and former Member of the European Parliament, Birgit Daiber, visited the University of East London this week as part of the European Parliament to Campus Programme. Organised by Continuum, together with colleagues in Education & Community Partnerships (ECP) and the School of Law & Social Sciences.
The programme, whereby former MEP’s are invited into universities to share their insights into the factors that shape Europe-wide decision-making, aims to engage young people in EU politics and the political process.
Citing the cultural diversity of the university as a real asset, Birgit said: “Yesterday we had a very intense debate on the European financial crisis; the students come from so many different backgrounds, which is great.”
Alongside undergraduates from UEL were students from local schools and colleges associated with the National Scholarship Programme, including Newham College, St Angela’s and Lewisham. Continuum Research Manager Tony Hudson said: “Events such as this demonstrate UEL’s commitment to NSP partner schools and colleges and provide an invaluable opportunity for us to work with talented students and committed teachers. For many young people studying Government and Politics at “A” level in our partner schools and colleges a field trip to visit European political institutions is not possible. With the support of the EU Former Members’ Association we bring a former MEP to them.”
Stephanie Rost, a pupil at St Angela’s, said: “Birgit took time from her day to come speak to us and had an impact on the way we see politics. Today has also shown us something about university life.”
The unique dynamic also gives UEL undergraduates the opportunity to act as mentors as well as affording prospective university students the opportunity to be mentored by those who they consider their peers.
UEL International Politics and Business undergraduate, Daniel Willoch, said: “It’s interesting to communicate with young people and see what they are thinking in relation to European politics and also to show them what this university has to offer. We are around the same age and if I can tell them something that I’ve learned then they get the idea that ‘Hey I can do that too’.”
This is the second year the UEL has submitted a successful application for the initiative, which is supported by the Former Members Association (FMA). UEL Pro-Vice Chancellor, Selena Bolingbroke, added: “This programme really brings the subject of politics alive. At UEL we are committed to East London and are committed to making sure the local people have access to skills and courses in order to secure good jobs.”
View Birgit Daiber Presentation here
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