Summary: 8 May 2008, Brussels - On 9 May, pupils in the schools of the four corners of Europe will discuss the EU's role in the world with European Commission 'ambassadors'. By going local, to talk directly to European students (13-18 year-olds) and listen to their views, the Commission 'ambassadors' will stimulate debate on the EU's commitment to solidarity. The 'Europe Day in Schools' initiative, organised in collaboration with regional authorities, aims to raise awareness among young people of the EU's actions to fight poverty in the world. Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel will take part in the initiative and visit students in Belgium.
Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel, who will meet students in Ottignies, in the region of Brabant-Wallon in Belgium, said: "Europe's young people are clearly concerned about developing countries and have a crucial role to play in raising the awareness of the importance of development. They are the generation who have the interest and energy to lead the fight against poverty. They are tomorrow's leaders, business executives, scientists or medical personnel who can
turn our vision for a better world into a reality. The success of development cooperation in large part depends upon people being made aware of the issues and getting involved. I am very glad that the '9 May-Europe Day in Schools' Initiative offers the opportunity to discuss this issue and bring the EU closer to its young citizens."
39 regions representing 12 countries of the EU are involved in the 'Europe Day in Schools' initiative. Some 60,000 pupils from 427 schools will participate. Educational activities on the topic of EU external cooperation will take place as well as round tables, performances and competitions.
This year the students will be given the opportunity to understand what the EU does to eradicate poverty by working on projects based on real life situations. A special web tool is available to allow pupils to create their own project and to find solutions to problems associated with development: how to help street children in Burkina Faso, how to combat deforestation in Kenya, or how to improve road transport in Niger.
Further information on the '9 May - Europe Day in Schools', including a list of schools participating in this initiative, can be found at
http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/9-may-initiative/index_en.htm
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