Two Presentation Castleisland students, Fiona Brosnan and Joanna Moynihan were recently chosen to represent the youth of Ireland in an online webinar hosted by the Ombudsman for Children, Dr. Niall Muldoon.
The webinar was titled: Digital Voices – Progressing children and Young People’s Right to be Heard Through Social and Digital Media.
It brought together experts from across the EU to discuss recent research which was carried out by Professor Brian O’Neill and his research team from TU Dublin.
Experts in Ireland and Europe
There were inputs from experts throughout Ireland and Europe including from Professor Pat Dolan, Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway.
Joanna and Fiona spoke to the conference about how young people can have their voices heard through the use of social media.
According to Presentation Castleisland mentor and teacher, Annette Leen, Joanna and Fiona are fantastic ambassadors for the school.
Eloquence and Excellence
“They spoke eloquently on the topic and excellently represented the views of young people. They consistently show great leadership skills in their role as Webwise youth panelists and we are very proud that they were again chosen to represent the 30 person youth panel on the national stage,” said Ms. Leen.
“Fiona and Joanna were the school’s Webwise youth panelists while in Transition Year 20/21. They considered the work with the panel so rewarding that they are remaining on as the school’s representatives for another year.
Amplifying the Voices of Youth
Speaking about their work with Webwise Joanna said that it’s been so motivating to be allowed these kinds of opportunities, to be allowed to be listened to.
“Its also empowering, knowing you are amplifying the voices of other young people. It’s been genuinely inspiring,” said Joanna.
“Prior to our involvement with the Webwise committee I don’t think we had ever realised just how much work is done behind the scenes in relation to efforts being made to make being online a safer, happier and more inclusive place for everyone –and we feel that we have influenced this and furthered it, which is really rewarding,” said Fiona.
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