A first-hand lesson in Welsh democracy
A 15-year-old Explorer Scout from Denbigh has taken part in a youth parliament event at the Senedd, gaining a practical insight into how debate and decision-making work in Wales.
Evie Tazzyman, who belongs to Gwylanod Explorers in Prestatyn, was chosen as the only young participant from the Vale of Clwyd District and the wider Clwyd Scout area to attend the ScoutsCymru Welsh Youth Parliament. The event was held at the Senedd in Cardiff on Tuesday, 20 October, bringing together young people from Scouting, the Sea Cadets and schools from across Wales.
The programme was organised by ScoutsCymru with Cymru Global and was designed for people aged between 14 and 18. Participants took on the role of Members of the Senedd for the day, researching issues affecting young people, discussing possible responses and voting on proposals put forward by their peers.
| Event detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Participant | Evie Tazzyman |
| Age | 15 |
| Event | ScoutsCymru Welsh Youth Parliament |
| Venue | The Senedd, Cardiff |
| Date | Tuesday 20 October |
Representing a constituency for the day
Evie was assigned the constituency of Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan. Before travelling to the event, she researched the challenges facing young people in that area. During the session, she worked with other participants to consider youth voice and wider issues affecting their lives, before helping to develop proposals intended to improve conditions for young people.
The proposals were then considered by the young parliamentarians, who voted on one another’s ideas. The day also gave Evie the opportunity to speak with elected politicians, including Becca Martin MS, one of the Members for Clwyd, and Heledd Fychan MS, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport.
For Evie, the experience offered more than an introduction to the workings of the Senedd. She said it had helped her understand how proposals are formed and decisions reached, while also showing the difficulty of persuading others to support issues about which people feel strongly.
“As we get closer to voting age, we need to know how the Senedd works and that we can help make a difference.”
She also described meeting young people from different parts of Wales and building connections through Scouting and other youth organisations as the most rewarding part of the event. Evie said the experience had left her more confident when speaking about subjects that matter to her and that other young people could benefit from a similar opportunity.
Encouraging active citizenship
Jacob Jones, District Lead Volunteer for Vale of Clwyd Scouts, said the organisation was proud of Evie’s contribution. He linked her participation to the group’s “Place to Belong” strategy, which aims to ensure young people feel welcome, listened to and able to play an active role in their communities.
Mr Jones said Evie had demonstrated those aims by speaking to Members of the Senedd and returning home with greater confidence. The organisation is also encouraging more young people across the area to become involved in Explorers.
For Denbigh and the surrounding Vale of Clwyd, Evie’s experience provides a local example of how youth organisations can give teenagers a route into public discussion. Her day at the Senedd placed a young voice from the area alongside others from across Wales, while offering an early opportunity to understand the responsibilities and challenges connected with democratic participation.
- Evie took part alongside young people from Scouts, Sea Cadets and schools.
- Participants researched issues, developed proposals and voted on ideas.
- The event was aimed at young people aged 14 to 18.
