BUZZ 4.2013
Debate gives airing to the world’s big issues
THE DEMOCRACY ISSUE u Youngsters practise their oratory skills in the council chamber of Hammersmith town hall, and impress the judges, writes Rachel Mountain
B
UDDING orators gathered in the town hall’s council chamber for the Children’s Parliament on the Environment. Ninety year-six pupils from 10 schools enjoyed a morning of lively debate on the environment, local and school issues. Each school was represented by two speakers whose topics ranged from rainforest rescue to Lillie Road’s past. It was a great opportunity to experience democracy in action, with participants also having question-andanswer sessions. Key to the event’s success was help from Hammersmith & Fulham Urban Studies Centre. Director Moya O’Hara
BIG TOPICS: Top, Cesar Medina and Mariam Ahmed give their presentation to a packed council chamber at the town hall; Left, Mahdi Malkawi takes notes; Ebi Tabrizian shows his appreciation PICTURES BY LEIGH QUINNELL
said: “It gave children the opportunity to research a topic of local or global importance and have their say on issues that affect them.” The event was overseen by a panel of judges, chaired
by Cllr Helen Binmore. “The high standard made judging difficult,” she said. Pupils from Fulham Primary, Kenmont, Melcombe, Queens Manor, Servite and Sulivan took part, with awards going to Good Shepherd, Sir John Lillie, Miles Coverdale and Lena Gardens.
15