Breckland youngsters have fun with democracy

YOUNGSTERS at a handful of schools across Breckland experienced the funny side of democracy thanks to a series of workshops.

Pupils voted for their favourite joke, exercised their democratic right over what should be served for lunch, and discussed various topics in mini committees.

The sessions, which took place over the past two weeks, were aimed at educating children about democracy in a fun and interactive way and held at Thompson Primary, Mundford Primary, Banham Community Primary, Brisley Church of England Primary and Yaxham Church of England Primary.

In one activity youngsters had to listen to four jokes and vote for their favourite, and during another they voted on whether they wanted jacket potato or cottage pie for lunch in place of their normal menu.

Lynda Turner, executive support member for communities at Breckland Council, which ran the workshops, said: “Democracy is a fundamental part of our society and with the forthcoming election we hope these workshops have gone some way to helping young people understand what is going on.

“It was wonderful to see the children so enthusiastic and hopefully this has helped sew seeds that could see some of them become politicians themselves in the future.”

Breckland councillors also spoke to the children about their roles and presentations were given on the origins of democracy and the voting system.