Successful Conference of Junior and Senior Parliaments: A Platform for Youth Engagement
On February 5th, our auditorium hosted a remarkable gathering of both "junior" and "senior" school parliaments. This inspiring event brought together representatives from various schools to discuss and present their perspectives on the theme: "Well-being (Including in Schools) and Topics That Matter to Children and Young People." The conference served as a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their work, engage in meaningful discussions, and enhance their public speaking skills.
Each participating school prepared a presentation or a paper addressing well-being and other pressing topics concerning children and young people. The presentations were impressively crafted, incorporating multimedia elements such as videos, images, and special effects, making the sessions both engaging and insightful. Many of the contributions highlighted the role of school parliaments in fostering a positive school climate and actively supporting student initiatives.
Recognizing the importance of effective communication, the conference organizers included a dedicated speaker training session at the beginning of the event. A specialized committee provided students with guidance on microphone usage and public speaking techniques. After each presentation, feedback was given on structure, topic selection, and delivery, helping students refine their skills. The results were truly impressive—many students delivered speeches at an almost professional level, demonstrating confidence and eloquence.
A total of nine schools accepted our invitation to be part of this enriching experience:
Primary School, Prague 10, U Vršovického nádraží 950/1
Nižbor Primary School, Vršovice, Prague, Czech Republic
Primary School and Kindergarten Hovorčovice
Elementary School Velvary
Zeleneč Primary School
FZŠ Prof. Otokar Chlup PedF UK, Fingerova 2186, Prague
Primary School and Kindergarten, Prague 8, Lyčkovo náměstí 6
Primary School and Kindergarten Byšice, Mělník District
Partner School in the V4 Mini Grant Project (Visegrad Fund) from Slovakia – Private Primary School, Kysucká 14, Senec
The primary aim of this conference was to promote democratic values in education, fostering collaboration among students involved in school parliaments. It provided a platform for students to share ideas, discuss challenges, and celebrate achievements in making their schools and communities better places. The atmosphere was both professional and friendly, allowing for open dialogue and constructive exchanges.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants, teachers, and organizers who contributed to making this event a success. Your enthusiasm and commitment to student engagement and democratic education are truly commendable. We look forward to hosting similar events in the future and continuing to empower young voices in shaping their school environments and beyond.