All change for Northern Ireland youth

How many children out there wish that they could say what they feel about politicians? It is the way of the world that young people cannot have their say in society until they are 18. But all of that has now changed. For the first time in Northern Ireland, young people have a champion, and what is more they picked him themselves.

A huge step forward has been taken in appointing the first Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People. Teenager Una Finnegan, 15, was a member of the panel of young people who played a vital part in choosing the Commissioner. She said, “For the first time we’ve actually got someone to bridge the gap between children and politicians. I always wanted to make a difference as a young person and I think this is definitely making a difference ”.

The announcement was made at a ceremony in Strandtown Primary School in Belfast in front of school children from across Northern Ireland. These children along with the rest of the young people throughout Northern Ireland, who make up one quarter of the population, are central to the Commissioner’s job.

“I think we would have to address the fact that children are the most important thing ,” said another Advisory Forum panel member, 16 year old Caroline McClay. The panel of teenagers, who were brought together by the Children and Young People’s Unit (CYPU) at Stormont, trained for five months before helping to choose the Commissioner.

Fellow CYPU panel member Michael Leatham, 16, feels that they made the best choice. He said, “We chose Nigel because he has brilliant qualities. He has really motivated me. I could see him out and about with young people, really making a difference in whatever way he could ”. Michael has spent the last few months juggling his role at CYPU with studying for his GCSEs. But he believes that the end result has definitely rewarded everyone for their hard work, “I’m really confident in Nigel’s ability...he’s someone who can relate to children and young people ”, he said. “He also has the right balance and will be able to influence key decision makers. It’s such a skill to have to be like that ”.

For the first time, young people will be able to bring any problems or concerns they may have to someone who can be relied on. For example, teenagers who are in care or have been abused can tell the Commissioner confidentially about their problems if they believe that their rights are being breached. Children will not have to ask their parents or guardians if they can call the Commissioner, they can phone him or speak to him privately. He will not only listen to them, he will also take decisive action to bring about a solution and prevent their problems. There will be no barriers of race or religion.

Save the Children’s Sheri Chamberlain has worked for many years to bring about the appointment of the Commissioner. “The Commissioner here has more powers than any other children’s commissioner anywhere in the world ”, she said. “This really shows the commitment the executive has to children in Northern Ireland ”.

A number of children’s organisations, including Save the Children, lobbied for and won greater powers for the new Commissioner, virtually making this position the most powerful of its type in the world.

What about the Commissioner? What does he think of his new post and his new responsibilities?

“It’s a new post so it involves setting something up right from scratch. It’s got a wonderful set of powers ”, said Mr Williams. “I grew up in Northern Ireland, so I really felt this would be a fantastic opportunity to make things better for children and young people here .”

Having attended the Commissioner launch, we realise how momentous this occasion is, and we genuinely believe it will change our lives.

Children’s Express is a programme of learning through journalism for young people aged eight to 18. Visit their website at www.childrens-express.org