Vale pupil, Lleucu Wiliam, from Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg has been elected to represent the Vale of Glamorgan in the newly-established Welsh Youth Parliament. Lleucu was one of the youngest in her area and beat 20 other candidates to become the only pupil from the Vale of Glamorgan to take up a post at the Welsh Youth Parliament.
The Youth Parliament will consist of 60 pupils from across Wales, who will hold regional meetings, have a residential training course and spend two days at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. Lleucu will hold the post for two years before the elections begin again.
Alun Cairns, MP for the Vale, personally congratulated Lleucu during a visit to Bro Morgannwg. He said, “It’s fantastic to see young people taking an interest in politics and getting involved. Lleucu is clearly a very driven and passionate person, with clear aims on the change she would like to see. I wish her the best of luck in her new role and I am always available for help and guidance.”
He added, “At Bro Morgannwg I also visited a group of Sixth Form pupils studying Politics and Business Studies who asked really interesting questions and wanted to engage and learn more about what is an historic time in politics. It’s a really positive thing that young people are keen to learn, engage and voice their opinions.”
Lleucu Wiliam, 14, year 9 pupil said:
“I have an interest in politics and found out about the Welsh Youth Parliament at the National Eisteddfod this year. I liked the idea that young people could have the opportunity to be heard.
Living on Barry Island I was really aware that the beach is of great benefit to everyone and especially teenagers. But had noticed that the pollution from radioactive mud being dumped in the Channel was becoming a danger to the Welsh coastline. This became my campaign, together with the planned incinerator in Barry.
I started by putting messages out on social media. My teachers at YGBM helped me to get the school involved and canvassed for the pupils to take part in the Welsh Youth Parliament, firstly by registering and then voting.
I also spread the word through my extra curriculum activities, where I enjoy ballet, horse riding, playing in the High School orchestra and singing in the Welsh choir, Heol y March.
To be voted on the Welsh Youth Parliament is amazing, I never thought I was going to get elected, it’s a privilege to be able to represent and voice my peers opinions. I have put a special thank you to everyone on twitter@welshyouthparl. Diolch yn fawr.”
Mr Hywel Price, YGBM Head Teacher, said:
“We are delighted with Lleucu’s achievement and very proud as she is the only Vale of Glamorgan representative on the Welsh Youth Parliament. It was a personal decision for Lleucu to put her name forward and to achieve this at such a young age is testimony to her successful campaign.
It will be a great experience for her to meet numerous like-minded people and make new friends. It is important that young people get involved in politics and express their opinions on local and national matters and where better to do this than at a Youth Parliament.
Thanks to Alun for attending the question and answer session with our A level Politics and Business Studies students. Alun was able to bring politics to life with a lively debate discussing many hot topics and making them relevant to our pupils. Diolch yn fawr.”
