A "MAJOR" milestone in the rollout of former Southend MP Sir David Amess's Children's Parliament has been hit at a Southend school.
The National Mace Tour arrived in Essex for the first time at Fairways Primary school last Friday, the same school where aged 11 the long-standing MP founded "The Revolutionary Party", campaigning to abolish homework and introduce guaranteed pocket money.
The tour was inspired by the MP, who was tragically murdered in a terrorist attack in 2021, is designed to impart an understanding of democracy from an early age in honour of Sir David's decades-long commitment to public service.
Credit: 6 Hillgrove/Yoni Cohen Film/Sir David Amess Children's Parliament UK
Pupils aged seven to 11 competed in an election, with 9-year-old Olivia White triumphing to represent the school at Westminster in October joining young representatives from across the country in a national debate.
Gareth Turner, Headteacher of Fairways Primary School, said: “Democracy is one of our British values which are important to us at Fairways.
"Ultimately our children are going to be part of a diverse, multicultural society. For that they need to have tolerance and understanding.
"We find that the best way that children learn is through doing. So whilst we talk a lot about democracy in theory, it’s not enough - it is important for the children to have the opportunity to have the experience and be active participants”.
Hugo Karczewski, aged nine, was appointed as Olivia's Deputy, while Daisy Davenport, aged eight, secured a role within the CPTV team, while fellow finalists Izzy Casey, nine, Marnie McHugh, and Lilly Shaw, both seven were recognised for their strong campaigns.
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Patron of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament UK, Anna Firth said: “The importance of the Children’s Parliament cannot be overstated.
"Democracy does not start at 16, it starts in the classroom and it is at primary school that good habits are formed.
"If we teach children from a young age that their voice matters, they will grow up using it.
Julie Cushion, Chair of Governors at Fairways Primary and formerly worked for Sir David Amess said: “He would have been so proud to see the election at Fairways.
"Getting young children engaged in democracy I wanted to give them the opportunity to really experience a genuine polling booth supplied by the Council.
"Also looking at the turn out in elections which is so low hopefully this will teach children how important and precious their vote is.
"It was also impressive to see how many young girls wanted to stand as candidates and became future leaders”.
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