Derry student Jay Curry wins Rotary Youth Leadership award

Derry student Jay Curry was one of just 24 teenagers from all over the island of Ireland to be presented with a Rotary Youth Leadership Development certificate at the European Parliament’s offices in Dublin recently.

The competition, which is one of Rotary Ireland’s longest running youth projects, rewards young people with clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities. It is run in conjunction with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin.

Jay, who is a Year 13 student at Foyle College, received his certificate from Rotary Ireland District Governor Kenny Fisher and Patrick O’Riordan, Head of Public Affairs at the European Parliament’s office in Ireland.

The itinerary for the students’ week-long all expenses paid trip included visits to Belfast, Dublin, and Strasbourg. In Belfast they received a private tour of City Hall, a tour of Stormont where they met several politicians including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and sat in the visitor’s gallery to watch MLAs discussing affordable childcare.

In Dublin they enjoyed presentations about the EU at the European Parliament Liaison Office before being presented with their leadership certificates. They then went on tours of the Seanad and Dail where they met several politicians including Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister of State Jack Chambers.

They then flew to Frankfurt for a three-day visit to Strasbourg. After enjoying a walking tour of the city on arrival, the following day was spent at the European Parliament debating topical issues with other young Europeans at Euroscola, where students get to be MEP for a day. They also visited the European Court of Human Rights.

On the last day they enjoyed a well-earned shopping trip in Strasbourg city-centre before flying home.

Jay, who was representing Rotary Club of Derry / Londonderry, enjoys weightlifting and running. He said he entered the competition to learn more about the EU, its various institutions, and its role in the legislative process.

“I learned a lot about the EU in preparation for the interviewing process and I now also have a deeper understanding of leadership.

“The highlight of this trip certainly was interacting with people from the Republic and seeing how much we now miss out after exiting the European Union.

“I would absolutely recommend this competition to young people in Derry. It was fantastic.”