19 Nov Ulidia students attend #TYS18
On Saturday 16th November seven students from year 12 and sixth form attended the Translink Youth Summit in Belfast Met in Titanic Quarter. When they arrived the students were treated to a breakfast of sausage rolls and warm refreshments. The students also enjoyed the welcome ‘photo booth’ experience which included lots of exciting and fun props.
The day was hosted by Pete Snodden who welcomed everyone to the day by giving an overview of progress from last year’s summit. Students last year identified that they wanted more environmentally friendly transport solutions such as greenways, and Y link cards to be available online.
The first workshop that the group attended was based around environment. Students gave real input to decision makers about how transport services in Northern Ireland can be more environmentally friendly, and that the environment was an important concern for them. The second workshop was about respect. Students began with a bus themed ice breaker about communication and teamwork. Students got to know and work with other young people from all over Northern Ireland. Students gave feedback about how young people can be treated with more respect while using public transport and how young people can give more respect; it is a two way street!
Lunch was a real highlight of the day – Burritos all round, and music provided by local singer in the cafe area of the Met. Followed by more photo fun with props in the photo booth, and time to look at Translink photo boards about the new glider. Did you know that one glider can hold up to 105 people?
The third session was after lunch, by then we were all stuffed. The third session was taken by Translink Smartmovers which is a campaign by Translink to teach about the benefits of public transport. The session gave students the opportunity to take part in more ice breaker games together and to get to know the other participants in the workshop better. Then students were able to give input into policy making decisions by giving opinions on a range of topics including pricing and provision of public transport in Northern Ireland.
The final session of the day was back to the main hall for the plenary which was hosted by Pete Snodden. During the session Pete summarised all the main points which were made by the participants over the course of the day. Chris Conway from Translink spoke to the group to give feedback on what Translink has done to respond to feedback received last year and to thank participants for their views this year. With 82million passenger journeys, Translink is continuing to grow and is listening to feedback to shape that growth.
Then students were able to make lots of noise by taking part in a collective drum lesson with Beats Carnival to come together and play together, before getting a selfie with Pete Snodden and heading home.
The group had a fantastic time and gave superb contributions to discussions which will influence transportation policy in Northern Ireland.
Thank you to Translink And the Northern Ireland Youth forum for organising the day.