Students head to Strasbourg

HAVING their say in Europe: students Chris Marland and Mariam Waseem

TWO Oldham Sixth Form College students are to fly the flag for the North-West at the European Youth Event in Strasbourg.

Mariam Waseem and Chris Marland, both 19, are among 14 delegates chosen to attend by the British Youth Council to attend.

Around 5,000 young people from 21 countries will be taking part in debates, lectures and cultural events at the European Parliament from May 9-11.

Mariam, a member of Oldham Youth Council and regional secretary of the UK Youth Parliament, said: “I never thought we would both be selected. Our main motivation was to make sure the North was represented.”

She is looking forward to taking part in discussions about youth unemployment as Oldham Youth Council is running a campaign on the issue.

Chris, a member of Rochdale Youth Cabinet, is interested in disability and gender equality rights and added: “It will interesting working with people on an international scale.”

The pair are also spearheading a joint campaign by Oldham Youth Council and Rochdale Youth Cabinet to encourage 18 to 25-year-olds to vote.