Group work - discussions and adoption of proposals
Group 1
May 8th 9.30-12.00
We had discussions about:
- 1- Proposals on employment
- 2- Proposals on migration and immigration
Group leader - Žans Matjuškovs
Secretary - Linda Falaļejeva
Discussion participants -
- Izabella Grōhn (Finland)
- Jana Šafar (Croatia)
- Sennad Kryeziu (Italy)
- Marina Asaaveda Urbano (Spain)
Students from Rigas Secondary School Nr.25 -
- Beāte Štelle
- Diāna Lesa
- Rasa Rasuma
Proposals on employment-
Spanish student Marina showed pre-prepared presentation about Employment in Spain and also in other Europe countries. We agreed that it is necessary to raise awareness within students so that they can learn about the importance of effort and work in order to get objectives.
After Marina’s(from Spain) presentation where she told all three proposals, we started a discussion about what employment means and why it is a problem. Marina said that in some schools teachers do not know how to get students interested in education. That’s why students don’t have jobs because they don’t have the right education. Each group member agreed with her. Jana(from Croatia) said that one of the problems is that pupils have to take extra classes because at school students can’t study only that lessons they like and think that are necessary for them. Sennad (from Italy), Jana (from Croatia), Marina (from Spain) agreed that some of the schools have low education systems. Izabella (from Finland) told about the situation in her country, that she does not know quite much information about employment because, in her city Sippo, there is not this a problem. Also, Marina(from Spain) told that in Spain a lot of students don’t have much information about careers, that’s why a lot of people don’t know what to do after graduation. All group members shared their experiences how do they learn about career options. Žans and Linda( from Latvia) told that they have a lot of options for deciding what to do after finishing the school, like shadow day where pupils can fit in their dream profession for one day, a lot of career events which are organized by the schools. Jana (from Croatia) agreed with them and told that in Croatia there are a lot of options too.
Pupils spoke about all three recommendations and at the end, they decided that the second recommendation(proposal)
“’The also ask for academic and career guidance from early years of compulsory secondary education. The guidance department could pay more attention to the career guidance especially to those pupils who are on the verge of dropping out of school. The students would also like to do voluntary work in order to learn by experience what a job is.”
should be given the highest attention.
We decided to give 15% to this proposal!
Proposals about migration and immigration
The student Jana (from Croatia) told about her prepared topic – migration and immigration. After each proposal, we discussed the most important things in all countries(Spain, Latvia, Italy, Croatia, and Finland).
After first proposal Jana(from Croatia) told that there are students who come from other countries because of there parents jobs or other reasons and when these pupils have to go to new school, they fail all classes because at first- they don’t know the language, at the second- in their native country they don’t study the same subjects as in temporary country. Her proposal was to let foreign students incept these exams they want. All members agreed with her thoughts. We came to really important conclusion that youth is our future so the government has to understand that if we don’t want to stay in our country, who wants? One more main fact all group members talked about was racism. Sennad (from Italy) shared information about racism in his country. He said that racism is a really big problem in Italy, a lot of natives don’t want to accept foreigners, that’s why the problems appear.
After second proposals told that the biggest migration problems are high taxes and low salaries. Also, she shared information with other group members that minimum wage is only 336 euros. Also, group members agreed that the historical things may promote migration problems also.
After third proposals, we came to the conclusion that people are trying to find better life not only for them but also for their children. But people can’t chance migration and immigration because everything depends on government, politicians, economics. Marina (from Spain) shared her opinion on immigration. She said that for example in Spain which is included in the poor country list, come a lot of immigrants. And those immigrants don’t work, so Spanish government is paying them. In conclusion, we agreed immigration makes poor countries poorer. But Sennad (from Italy) shared his side of opinion. He told that it is really difficult for refugees because for example in Italy the main problem again is racism. Also, a lot of Italians don’t work but refugees want to work, but natives do not let them do that. That’s how migration and immigration appears.
From all three proposals, we chose the first one-
“Integration for foreign students into the school system ‘.”
We decided to give 35% to this proposal!
Group 1
May 9th 9.30-12.00
We had discussions about:
- 1- Proposals on employment
- 2- Proposals on migration and immigration
Group leader - Žans Matjuškovs
Secretary - Linda Falaļejeva
Discussion participants-
- Izabella Grōhn (Finland)
- Jana Šafar (Croatia)
- Sennad Kryeziu (Italy)
- Marina Asaaveda Urbano (Spain)
Students from Rigas Secondary School Nr.25
- Beāte Štelle
- Diāna Lesa
- Rasa Rasuma
Proposals on poverty and social exclusion
Finish student Izabella showed prepared presentation about poverty and social exclusion.
The first proposal was about simulations and courses. Izabella offered the original idea about a day as a drug addict simulation (like VR glasses) so people can see what it’s to live like this. But after discussion Jana (from Croatia) told that it is a nice and original idea but it will not help to solve the problem globally and everyone agreed with her.
The second proposal was about supporting hobbies at the same time reducing drug and alcohol problems. The main idea is to keep youth social action. All members shared the same opinion as her. In conclusion, we decided that the idea is not bad, but it would take few years to solve the problem globally and this proposal needs political help.
The third proposal was to make apps and websites to help children and others who need help. Everyone understood that there are people who are afraid to asks for help, that’s why the app would be anonymous, so no one would get in the trouble. After you can get help in the special center. And this is an idea is better because it’s faster to realize and it’s easier to start just like start point to solving the problem.
Pupils spoke about all three recommendations and at the end, they decided that the second recommendation(proposal)
“Apps and websites”
should be given the highest attention.
We decided to give 30% to this proposal!
Proposals on sustainability
Italian student Sennad spoke about prepared sustainability speech in different countries.
The first proposal was about to teach everyone, planning, designing, going research on recycling. We didn’t discuss this proposal a long time because the teaching about our nature is not hard, the parents, teachers have to teach it to the children from the small years because of them depends on the future of the world.
The second one was to reduce the use of energy for transportation purposes fostering vehicles sharing. Everyone agreed that people should use bicycles more. Spanish student Marina offer idea of making more bus stops, just to not use the cars. Because it would be cheaper, and we wouldn’t pollute nature so much. Jana (from Croatia) agreed with her. Also, wouldn’t be such a big traffic on the roads. Use bus it’s better because sometimes its faster than a car. So, if you can choose, the bus is better.
The third proposal was to reduce the production waste material in the first place and learn to reuse whenever possible. Sennad(from Italy) said that once his school students brought all plastic to the school and then the teachers sold the plastic and then the money donated to people in need. Izabella (from Finland) shared her experience with her group. She said that in her school students make food and then they sell it to the other children. The money they get, they are donating to the whale organization. Latvian students shared information about how we are keeping the streets clean. Latvians have an event which is called spring cleaning. Volunteers from various places in Latvia go outside to clean neighborhood.
In conclusion, the group talked about how important it is to teach students not to throw rubbish, teach to recycle because nature is in our hands.
For this theme, it was hard to choose the best proposal because each of recommendations is important and all of them may help. But pupils spoke about all three recommendations and at the end, they decided that the third recommendation(proposal)-
”Reduce the production waste material in the first place and learn to reuse whenever possible. ”
We decided to give 35% to this proposal!
Group 2
May 8th 09.30- 12.00
We had discussions about:
- Poverty and social exclusion
- Proposals on migration and immigration
Group leader- Mārtiņš Frembergs
Secretary- Sabīne Strautiņa
Discussion participants-
Lydia Grõnholm(Finland)
Hana Erbežnik (Croatia)
Elena Silvestri (Italy)
Ālvaro Alcantara (Spain)
And also students from Riga’s secondary school No 25 -
Amanda Bērziņa
Daniels Helpejs
Romans Kononovs
Amanda Ķule
Proposal about poverty and social exclusion
Lydia started her presentation after introduce. The presentation was really good, everyone understood everything. Croatia was first with questions about “real- life simulation” and Icelandic 5-step model because for everyone these were the most interesting. Lydia said that it was hard to make a presentation about this theme because they in their school don’t discuss this problem.
Theme about which almost everyone talked about (except Ālvaro and Elena) was “why young adults and kids get bullied or hurt? “. The conclusion was that it is always related to money, style, family or health.
Group was thinking about all EU, not only these five countries. So they decided the right decision is to take the Icelandic 5-step model because it worked, and if there would be questions then we could ask Iceland’s council.
About second proposal was idea to put “ ..and real stories”. Like real experience stories not only classic pictures and stories about what could happen.
After voting, we had 5 votes for Icelandic 5-step model and 5 for real-life simulation and real stories. But a day later we voted again, and this time it was 7 for Icelandic model so that one won.
Second proposal about migration and immigration
Hana started her presentation. This is a theme where are many questions, and that why Hana seem little scared. Latvian students were prepared with some kind information about the situation in Europe.
Some of the students didn’t agree about some little details, so they talked about taking them out. For example, to give migrants choice what kind of exam they want, but to citizens no. They thought it wouldn’t be fair, so there were little debates about that kind of questions. We made some changes but at the end that wasn’t necessary because we didn’t choose that with changes.
Spain and Italy participants were only listening and thinking about these proposals.
After long discussions, we voted and won the second proposal.
“Minimum standard accommodation and wage for the working members of the family.”
Group 2
May 9th 09.30- 12.00
We had discussions about:
- Proposals on employment
- Proposals on sustainability
Group leader- Mārtiņš Frembergs
Secretary- Sabīne Strautiņa
Discussion participants-
Lydia Grõnholm(Finland)
Hana Erbežnik (Croatia)
Elena Silvestri (Italy)
Alvaro Alcantara (Spain)
And also students from Riga’s secondary school No 25 -
Amanda Bērziņa
Daniels Helpejs
Romans Kononovs
- First proposals about on employment-
It was Spanish students theme, so Ālvaro highlighted that people should have more information and also advices for what to do and also where they can do that. Also, he replied to all questions and told his opinion about proposals.
Also, Lydia said that the main problem that she sees in her country that people are too fastidious- they want to find a job, but when they are offered a low salary job or not a high-grade job, then they prefer not to work at all. Everyone in-group agreed with her and saw something same in their countries.
Latvian students started to talk about different kind of courses in Latvia and EU. To other students, one of the most interesting courses seems the Latvian “Youth Movement“ (Jauniešu kustība), because that was something new and they would like something like that in their city.
Voting was simple- everyone chose the second proposal.
‘’The also ask for academic and career guidance from early years of compulsory secondary education. The guidance department could pay more attention to the career guidance especially to those pupils who are on the verge of dropping out of school. The students would also like to do voluntary work in order to learn by experience what a job is.”
- Second proposal about sustainability
Elena presented Italian work and proposals, told her opinion and answered questions. Valentina and Lydia said that it is true that they have the biggest problem in the school system is that it is too expensive to buy new books every year because books are staying with students.
But students from Latvia told others about our school system in Latvia, about how we use our books (more than once and then give to other students) in Latvia and that we don’t have to pay for books. Hana from Croatia told that it is the same in their school, but Elena and Lydia said that this is a great usage of these books and also it is cheaper to do that.
Group talked about recycling in school, city. And none of the guests said that do something to help Earth, so it was decided we have to change something. We chose the first proposals-
“Increase all the students and staff awareness about what can be done to foster school sustainability establishing a fixed timetable for doing research and investigation on the topics of “Applied Environmental Protection”.
Percentage
Group wanted to all be in process and all to say their opinion, so everyone wrote their percentage and secretary calculated the average.
- Finland’s theme – 21%
- Croatia’s theme- 18%
- Italy’s theme- 31%
- Spain’s theme- 30%
Group 3
May 8th 09.30- 12.00
We had discussions about:
- 3.1- Proposals on employment
- 3.2- Proposals on migration and immigration
Group leader- Māris Cimermanis
Secretary- Evelīna Viktorija Smirnova
Discussion participants-
Linda-Maria Frantz (FINLAND)
Dora Vukušič ( CROATIA)
Valentina Curzi (ITALY)
Marco Megias Ruiz-S (SPAIN)
And also pupils from Riga 25th secondary school-
Māris Cimermanis
Evelīna Viktorija Smirnova
Gregors Lasenbergs
Dženifera Grēta Melne
Rita Zariņa
Sindija Neimane
- First proposal (3.1.) about on employment-
It was Spanish pupil theme, so he highlighted that people should have more information and also advices for what to do and also where they can do that. Also, he agreed with given proposal, that it is necessary to raise awareness within students so that they can learn about the importance of effort and work in order to get objectives.
Also, Linda from Finland said that the main problem that she sees not just in her country but in Europe as a whole, that people are too fastidious- they want to find job, but when they are offered a low salary job or not a high-grade job, then they prefer not to work at all.
As well as Dora(from Croatia) and Valentina (from Italy)agreed with her, because girls have similar situations in their countries, also cities.
So, all participants said that there are so many students who don't know what to do after they graduate school and the main problem is that all schools have pupils who do not know the elementary thing, basic things how to live life easier and etc. So all the discussion participants consider that students have to ask for academic and career guidance from early years of compulsory secondary education. Pupils think that the guidance department could pay more attention to the career guidance specially to those pupils who are on the verge of dropping out of school. And also, everyone considered that the great idea could be that the students would also like to do voluntary work in order to learn by experience what a job is.
Pupils spoke about all three recommendations and at the end, they decided that the second recommendation(proposal) should be given the highest attention.
We chose to highlight-
‘’The also ask for academic and career guidance from early years of compulsory secondary education. The guidance department could pay more attention to the career guidance specially to those pupils who are on the verge of dropping out of school. The students would also like to do voluntary work in order to learn by experience what a job is.”
We decided to give 10 budget points to this proposal!
- Second proposal(3.2.) about migration and immigration
Croatian theme
1.Integration for foreign students into the school system
First, when Maris read proposal where one of the suggestions was about- the introduction of special educational curriculum for the integration of foreign students adjusted to their needs, Valentina (from Italy) said that it is hard to find a job if you don’t know the language. Dora(from Croatia) agreed with her, because in her opinion everything starts with language and it's much easier if you know the language. Also, Latvian students agreed with that and they said that if these immigrants want to stay in the country then they need to know the language or at least try to learn it.
Also, Dora (from Croatia)said that the inhabitants of the country(not only Croatia but all around Europe) immigrants live are not enthusiastic about that- they don’t want someone who will live in their country.
2.Minimum standard accommodation and wage for the working members of the family.
Linda( from Finland) that yes, countries can give them money and also there should be the money for them, but they have to do something , not only live on benefits without working and etc. Maris said that this money that is used to give these immigrants is taken from taxes- our taxes that we pay. Marco( from Spain) agreed that it is not honest that they just spend money which we could spend on the more useful things.
3.Easier mobility
Valentina (from Italy) think that people should be more inform about the labour market, because there are people who don’t know how to use it properly.
Also, Latvian students added that people are afraid of difficulties and when they face with these difficulties they just do nothing.
From all three proposals, we chose to highlight-
‘Integration for foreign students into the school system ‘.
We decided to give 30 budget points to this proposal!
Group 3
May 9th 09.30- 12.00
We had discussions about:
- 3.3- Poverty and social exclusion
- 3.4.- Proposals on sustainability
Group leader- Māris Cimermanis
Secretary- Evelīna Viktorija Smirnova
Discussion participants-
Linda-Maria Frantz (FINLAND)
Dora Vukušič ( CROATIA)
Valentina Curzi (ITALY)
Marco Megias Ruiz-S (SPAIN)
And also pupils from Riga 25th secondary school-
Māris Cimermanis
Evelīna Viktorija Smirnova
Gregors Lasenbergs
Rita Zariņa
Sindija Neimane
- Third proposal (3.3.) about poverty and social exclusion
First of all, we read this proposal and we all agreed at immediately that the active lifestyle should be the option for everyone.
We started to speak about <> proposal , and all of as agreed with this system (when you have these coupons) and also is important to mention that connecting bus lines/pick up services to make these hobbies available for everyone is a great idea and it has to be fulfilled.
The second proposal about <>-
Most of us said that they know at least five students who are not ready to independent living also, youngsters are confused that they have to move out from parents houses. They move out and married lately..
Also Linda(from Finland)mention that alcohol for students/pupils/youngsters is not an alien thing for them, but then Maris said that alcohol is not bad , because the main idea is to learn how to use it , and he thinks that parents and also teachers have to speak to their students to improve this situation.
And about the third proposal- <>
Dora (from Croatia) said that the platforms for getting across information about informing people where help is found in society, should one get into a bad situation are great option, also she surprised that there are countries in which are these support numbers and she thinks that the main problem in her city is that people don’t know number or place where they can find this number to search for help.
Everyone agreed that this is the proposal which should be spoken in all schools.
So after the debates, we decided to choose <> proposal.
We decided to give 20 budget points to this proposal!
- Fourth proposal (3.4)- proposals on sustainability
First of all, Maris read the proposal for everyone to understand it.
Valentina (from Italy) and Linda(from Finland) said that it is true that there are a lot of countries (they mentioned Italy and Finland) that the biggest problem in school system is that it is too expensive to buy new books every year (for students), because books are changing so fast.
But then Maris and Gregors( students from Latvia) they told others about our school system in Latvia, about how we use our books(more that once and then give to other students) in Latvia and that we don’t have to pay for books. Marco, Dora and Valentina said that, this is the great usage of these books and also it is more cheaper to do that.
Everyone highlight that all schools in all around Europe have to think about these a second-hand bookshops in each school in order to reduce the number of new school books to be printed. And also they think that the great idea could be to introduce students to <> with the cooperation of artists and experts.
A big debate aroused topic about <>
The first option was ‘creating a car sharing app for students, teachers and families only’, and the second one ‘Asking for more bus rides and additional bus stops to meet each students and members of staff needs’. These two options liked to the pupils because they have problems in their countries with that. For example, Valentina(from Italy)said that it so difficult to be on time in school, because she lives far away from school and she has to go to school by public transport, but the public transport is very rare, so it makes so much difficulties. Also Linda (from Finland) agreed with that and also she mentioned that it is a little bit dangerous to get to school by school bus especially in the winter months, so she would prefer to get the opportunity to rent cars for a small period as it was written in second proposal option. She said that safety is in the first place for her.
So, we chose the second option (second proposal).
We decided to give 40 budget points to this proposal!
Group 4
May 8th 09.30- 12.00
We had discussions about:
- 3.1- Proposals on social exclusion and poverty
- 3.2- Proposals on migration and immigration
Group leader- Ričards Viļumsons
Secretary- Patrīcija Bodniece
Discussion participants-
Bertil Eriksson (FINLAND)
Lucija Kovačevič ( CROATIA)
Camilla Formica (ITALY)
Luna Exposito Higalgo (SPAIN)
And also pupils from Riga 25th secondary school-
Ritvars Puriņš
Alise Boičenko
Krists Zants
Mairis Civkors
Pauls Sudrabs
Arnolds Knoks
- First proposal about poverty and social exclusion
1. Working on the Icelandic 5-step model and the point hobbies especially
First, we read this problem and we all agreed at immediately that this is a big problem all around the world, not only in Europe.
We started to speak about <> proposal. Some of us did not agree with this proposal – they said that almost everywhere in Latvia we can take first introduction lesions for free and this coupon system wouldn’t work. We agreed that connecting bus lines/pick up services to make these hobbies available for everyone is a great idea and it needs to be fulfilled.
2. Real life simulation
Most of us said that they know at least five students who are not ready to independent living also, youngsters are confused that they have to move out from parents houses.
Also, one student mentioned that alcohol for students/pupils/youngsters should be more restricted. We liked that idea about VR glasses where it could be simulated what would happen if you were addicted to drugs or alcohol. In addition, people who were drug addicted/alcoholic and went through rehab could come to schools and give lectures about their addiction.
3. Education paths and the traps one might fall into.
Bertil said that we could make apps that could give information where help could be found in society. One student was surprised that there are countries in which are these support numbers and he thinks that the main problem in his city is that people do not know number or place where they can find this number to search for help.
Everyone agreed that this is a proposal, which should be spoken about in all schools.
After the debates, we decided to choose <> proposal.
We decided to give 19 budget points to this proposal!
- Second proposal about migration and immigration
1. Integration for foreign students into the school system
We all agreed to one of the suggestions that was about- the introduction of special educational curriculum for the integration of foreign students adjusted to their needs, Camilla(from Italy) said that it is hard to find a job if you don’t know the language. Ričards agreed with her, because in his opinion, everything starts with language and it is much easier if you know the language. Also, Latvian students agreed with that and they said that if these immigrants want to stay in the country then they need to know the language or at least try to learn it.
Some people from our group said that the inhabitants of the country (not only Croatia but also all around Europe) immigrants live are not enthusiastic about that- they do not want immigrants to live in their country.
2. Minimum standard accommodation and wage for the working members of the family
We discussed that this is a good proposal but the money that is used to give these immigrants is taken from taxes- our taxes that we pay and some people would not like that.
3. Easier mobility
Lucija said that in Croatia it is harder to find a job for people who have higher education, because people with higher education need to pay more taxes. She advised to cancel this tax.
In addition, Latvian students added that people are afraid of difficulties and when they face with these difficulties, they just do nothing.
From all three proposals, we chose to highlight-
‘Easier mobility ‘.
We decided to give 19 budget points to this proposal!
Group 4
May 9th 09.30- 12.00
We had discussions about:
- 3.3- Proposals on sustainability
- 3.4- Proposals on employment
Group leader- Ričards Viļumsons
Secretary- Patrīcija Bodniece
Discussion participants-
Bertil Eriksson (FINLAND)
Lucija Kovačevič ( CROATIA)
Camilla Formica (ITALY)
Luna Exposito Higalgo (SPAIN)
And also pupils from Riga 25th secondary school-
Ritvars Puriņš
Alise Boičenko
Krists Zants
Mairis Civkors
Pauls Sudrabs
Arnolds Knoks
- Third proposal - proposals on sustainability
1. Increase all the student and staff awareness about what can be done to foster school sustainability establishing a fixed timetable for doping research and investigation on the topic of << Applied environmental Protection >>.
In some countries, there is a problem that students and teacher do not know how to copy on both sides. Therefore, there should be some lectures about proper use of resource because it is
2. Reduce use of energy for transportation purposes fostering vehicles sharing
The first option was to create a car-sharing app for students, teachers and families only, and the second one ‘Asking for more bus rides and additional bus stops to meet each students and members of staff needs’. These two options liked to the pupils because they have problems in their countries with that.
3. Reduce the production waste material in the first place and learn reuse whenever possible.
We liked the idea of introducing water dispenser in every school.
We all agreed that it is true that there are many countries where the biggest problem in the school system is that it is too expensive to buy new books every year (for students), because books are changing so fast.
Latvian students told others about the school system in Latvia, about how we use our books (more than once and then give to other students) in Latvia and that we do not have to pay for books. We also were talking about the introduction of electronic books in schools.
Everyone highlight that all schools in all around Europe have to think about these a second-hand bookshops in each school in order to reduce the number of new school books to be printed. In addition, they thought that great idea could be to introduce students to <> with the cooperation of artists and experts.
We chose to highlight-
Increase all the student and staff awareness about what can be done to foster school sustainability establishing a fixed timetable for doping research and investigation on the topic of << Applied environmental Protection >>.
We decided to give 52 budget points to this proposal!
- Fourth proposal - about on employment
1. To get consciousness through education chats given by experts, business people ior organizations
It was Spanish pupil theme, so she highlighted that people should have more information and advices for what to do and where they can do that. In addition, she agreed with given proposal, that it is necessary to raise awareness within students so that they can learn about the importance of effort and work in order to get objectives.
We agreed that young are too fastidious- they want to find a job, but when they are offered a low salary job or not a high-grade job, and then they prefer not to work at all. They have too high expectations.
2. The also ask for academic and career guidance from early years of compulsory secondary education. The guidance department could pay more attention to the career guidance especially to those pupils who are on the verge of dropping out of school. The students would also like to do voluntary work in order to learn by experience what a job is.
All participants said that there are so many students who don't know what to do after they graduate school and the main problem is that all schools have pupils who do not know the elementary thing, basic things how to live life easier and etc. So all the discussion participants consider that students have to ask for academic and career guidance from early years of compulsory secondary education. Pupils think that the guidance department could pay more attention to the career guidance especially to those pupils who are on the verge of dropping out of school. And, everyone considered that the great idea could be that the students would also like to do voluntary work in order to learn by experience what a job is.
3. In the website of the school, students think it is interesting to have a link to job offers in our city.
This is a good idea but we do not think that it is necessary because almost in every country there is a website where you can look up for job offers.
Pupils spoke about all three proposals and at the end; they decided that the second proposal should be given the highest attention.
We chose to highlight-
‘’The also ask for academic and career guidance from early years of compulsory secondary education. The guidance department could pay more attention to the career guidance especially to those pupils who are on the verge of dropping out of school. The students would also like to do voluntary work in order to learn by experience what a job is.”
We decided to give 10 budget points to this proposal!
Group 5
May 8th 9.30 – 12.00
We had discussions about
- 3.2 – Migration and immigration
- 3.3 – Poverty and social exclusion
Chairman – Jegors Maļejevs
Secretary – Anda Aina Gasiņa
Discussion participants –
Alexandra Gron (Finland)
Lara Kontent (Croatia)
Elena Baldantioni (Italy)
Miriam Hernandez Gomez (Spain)
And pupils from Riga 25th secondary school-
Pauls Lapiņš
Samanta Vilka
Lorens Kaužēns
Laura Bukēviča
Niklāvs Bērziņš
3.3 Poverty and social exclusion
Out of all the topics, we discussed this one the most. Everyone had an opinion on it, especially on social exclusion. We shared similar thoughts on ways to combat social exclusion and all of us understood what it’s like.
The first proposal Finland mentioned was real life simulation. It presented students with opportunities to live out life and give them a look into the future. Not many were fans of this particular proposal, only a couple of people were interested, because they thought it might make some people change their mind about life choices and give them experience.
Next, Finland proposed the Icelandic 5 – step model. It featured a rundown of ways to get kids interested in things and more active. The idea was to make hobbies and getting to them more accessible to children and youngsters, especially teenagers, since social exclusion is most common at that age. Most of us really liked the idea of more transport and coupons for hobbies so that they’re affordable. This one was especially favourited because it seemed most effective, though some students had a fair point about it being hard to implement in a bigger society.
Lastly, the education paths proposal was mentioned. It was very simple and felt too bare to be on its own. It was about informing the youth on possible risks and how to expand your options when in need of help, who to contact and where. Useful, but too plain, so most of us didn’t vote for it.
It was very clear that all of us liked the Icelandic 5 – step model, so we decided to choose that one, it seemed the most effective one, and as the students mentioned – it would keep kids off the streets.
We gave this proposal 25 points!
3.2 Migration and Immigration
This topic was presented by Croatia. They first proposed integration of foreign students. The main issue with new students was them not knowing the language, culture and surrounding area. The idea was to introduce a special curriculum to integrate new students. They would have a special set of classes to make up for their lack of knowledge. A year of adjustment would be part of the proposal as well. Another idea was to modernize the equipment, in hopes of raising interest in countries and establish a status of a quality education.
This proposal seemed very well thought out, but it wasn’t considerate at all to adults. It only would work for students. It’d be a bit unrealistic too if the person transferring is studying in their last year of high school, so the year of adjustment would be ineffective.
After the integration of foreign students proposal, minimum standard accommodation and wage proposal was next. It featured ways to help a new family integrate, like providing jobs and housing, as well as offering opportunities for growth and integration into the society, creating friends and good relationships. Some of us thought about how this proposal might be abused, and people might refuse integration, but that’s rare.
The last proposal was easier mobility. Another simpler proposal that offered ways to make entry into the labour market easier for young people. The focus would be the EU and mobility between the EU countries, to make migration easier for EU citizens.
After hearing out the proposals, we all unanimously voted for the first proposal, since it was the most relatable to us as young people.
We gave thi proposal 20 points!
Group 5
May 9th 9.30 – 12.00
We had discussions about
- 3.4 – Sustainability
- 3.1 – Employment
Chairman – Jegors Maļejevs
Secretary – Anda Gasiņa
Discussion participants –
Alexandra Gron (Finland)
Lara Kontent (Croatia)
Elena Baldantioni (Italy)
Miriam Hernandez Gomez (Spain)
And pupils from Riga 25th secondary school-
Pauls Lapiņš
Samanta Vilka
Lorens Kaužēns
Laura Bukēviča
Niklāvs Bērziņš
3.4 Sustainability
Italy spoke about sustainability. Raising awareness was the first proposal and included ways to enforce sustainability at school. The ways included: learning how to save paper when copying, commercializing recycling better at school, more precise usage of water and electricity, writing about such solutions in local papers to enthuse other young people. Some of the Latvian students agreed, they also have encountered many people that don’t throw away their trash.
Reduce use of energy was the second proposal. The proposal featured ways to save energy and fuel for transportation purposes, like creating a car sharing app and using busses instead of cars. The app seemed too farfetched and regular busses were already a thing in most EU countries, so not many were interested in this.
The last proposal, waste reduction, had some interesting ideas, ways to save and preserve resources and not let them go to waste. One of the ideas was water dispensers in school, so everyone at school bring a re-usable container to drink from and uses the school’s water supplies. A different one was second hand bookshops, to reduce the usage of paper, and a course with experts on how to save and sustain.
Out of all the discussions, this one had a tie between the 1st and 3rd proposals, but we voted again and we decided on the 1st proposal.
We gave this proposal 20 points!
3.1 Employment
Spain had the topic of employment, or, to be more exact, the lack of it. Firstly, they proposed consultations and charts from experts about career choices. Mostly business people give you an insight into their career, etc. Such a proposal was a little too simple for all our liking, so no one cared much for it, but it is good to have someone who’s doing the same type of work to give you advice.
The second proposal was about secondary student guidance. Having teachers and the school provide enough information for a student to be safe about their career choice is very good, especially for students that have a risk of getting expelled or dropping out. Some of the students mentioned how drop outs often don’t have anywhere to work after school.
And, to end all the discussions, we had a proposal about a website for job offers. Local websites with jobs near you that you can easily apply to. It’s very accessible and great for teenagers, but we looked at some cons, like how most of those jobs would probably be part - time, and, if you’re already done with school, you might want a full-time job.
All of us really felt like unemployment is a big issue in all of our countries, especially for people our age, so this topic was very important to us and a priority.
Just like for all the previous ones, we did a vote and the 3rd proposal came out on top.
We gave this proposal 35 points!