Clanabogan teenager makes his mark on Northern Ireland's Youth Parliament
A CLANABOGAN teenager has been cutting his political teeth as West Tyrone's MYP within the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly.
A CLANABOGAN teenager has been cutting his political teeth as West Tyrone's MYP within the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly.
Fourteen-year-old Ryan Kearney MYP was elected into the role in early February, and he has since met with MP's, MLA's and councillors, spoken out on important issues impacting his peers, and even experienced a debate in the House of Commons.
Currently there are 14 MYP's (Members of Youth Parliament) in Northern Ireland, and each represents their local constituency.
Within this important role, MYP's aim to represent the views of the young people in their constituency and ensure the voice of young people is heard by decision-makers.
For Ryan, who is a pupil at Omagh CBS, politics has always been a major interest.
Currently in his GCSE years, his favourite subject at school is history, which incorporates many elements of politics, as well as Learning for Life and Work (LLW) which he sees as a very important subject for everyone at school.
Speaking on his role at MYP, Ryan said a highlight so far has been a visit to the House of Commons, where he experienced a debate with fellow MYPs from across the UK.
He also said that meeting with politicians such as former Health Minister Robin Swann and West Tyrone MP, Órfhlaith Begley, has been useful for highlighting issues that young people are facing locally.
"As a member of youth parliament we have a similar role to that of an MP, in that we are representatives who are elected by constituents to raise awareness of the issues that are important to them," he said.
"One of my main achievements so far is travelling with other MYPs to the House of Commons for the annual debate.
"While I didn't get the opportunity to speak, simply having the opportunity and experience of being over there is one that I will not forget.
"Furthermore, as MYP I have met with Robin Swann, to whom I highlighted issues such mental health in young people.
"I have also met West Tyrone MP, Órfhlaith Begley and Nichola Brogan MLA, and I spoke with them about some of the issues impacting young people at present."
In terms of the main political issues impacting young people, Ryan said mental health, the absence of the NI Executive and school subjects all rank very highly on his list of priorities.
"It is clear that young people are keen to see the NI Executive up and running again to represent and support them, as sadly this is not the case at the moment," he continued. "Other issues that effect young people are mental health related, and although the mental health services are there, they are very hard to access. This has to change.
"Learning for Life and Work (LLW) in schools is something that we have also campaigned for in the Youth Parliament. I know first-hand that this is a very useful subject that allows young people to be more prepared for the world of work and relationships.
"Young people need to learn about healthy relationships, as well as managing money and budgeting during the cost of living crisis and in life in general. LLW is a very important subject in general. "
Looking to the future, Ryan said that career in politics is something he is very interested in as he gets older.
He concluded: "Politics is something I would definitely be interested in going into in the future. Being able to continue representing people in the way I do now would be amazing. I enjoy politics as it allows me to meet new people, get involved in issues at a grass-roots level, and raise awareness on issues that effect everyone."