The event, which is hosted twice a year by the Centre – once for Year 13 students and once for Year 12 students – allowed students to bring forward questions and engage in discussion with their representatives.
‘It was really interesting – we got an idea of what their ideas and plans are,’ said Petrina Crispini, 16.
‘We talked about getting more involved with Guernsey politics, like having the chance to sit in on a debate.’
Both Petrina and fellow 16-year-old student Darcy Lindley said that, were they given such an opportunity, they would definitely be keen to seize it.
Sixth Form Centre principal Kieran James also emphasised many students’ interest in gaining a better understanding of their government.
‘The students always really value being able to meet the deputies,’ he said.
‘It’s really important because, in Guernsey, they’re already able to vote.
‘Many of them will have voted in the last election.
‘Now they can engage directly with their chosen deputies and feel like they’re part of the democracy, like their voices are heard. I think it’s empowering for them.’
As well as matters pertaining to youth involvement in politics, the students and deputies covered a wide range of topics in their discussions, from jobs, to education, to the affordability of housing.
‘We discussed how the island could be more appealing to young people,’ said 17-year-old Charlie Lowery.
‘I think, like many young people, I do love Guernsey, but there are definitely things that make it unappealing – like how expensive it is to live here.’
The overall experience, he said, was highly beneficial, as actually meeting his representatives face-to-face removed the sense of detachment he had felt.
Theo Pattimore, 16, was similarly positive about the experience.
‘It was really good to have those conversations,’ he said.
‘It’s made me hopeful, I’d say, to know they’re conscious of the problems on the island and have some plans to deal with them.’
Charlie, though still positive, left the forum slightly less bright-eyed.
‘Of course, conversations are one thing – doing stuff is something else,’ he said.
‘But it was great to get to know them and humanise a bit.
‘There can be such a detachment between us and them.’
